BAGUIO CITY – A total of 2,850 violators of the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance (Ord. No. 34, series of 2018) were apprehended from January to October this year by the Smoke Free Task Force chaired by Mayor Mauricio Domogan. Of this number, 2,633 are individuals while 217 are establishments.
The task force reported that P1, 634,000 in fines were paid during the period while 15 violators were made to render community service and 149 were turned-over to the Baguio City Police Office. However, 914 of the violators still have unsettled penalties, according to the report.
Councilor Joel Alangsab, the measure’s author, said the ordinance aims to safeguard public health by protecting the people from the harmful effects of smoking, tobacco consumption and vaping and applies to all persons, residents or visitors, within the city’s territorial jurisdiction.
The Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and vapes) in certain places, imposing penalties and providing funds thereof.
Penalties for those caught smoking or vaping are P1,000 for the first offense; P2,000, second offense; and P3,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months or both at the discretion of the court or suspension/ revocation of business license/ permit (in case of a business entity/establishment), if applicable, for the third and subsequent offenses.
Penalties for those caught violating the measure’s sales/ access restriction, advertising and promotions ban are P2,000 for the first offense; P3,000, second offense; and P5,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months or both at the discretion of the court or suspension/ revocation of business license/ permit (in case of a business entity/establishment), if applicable, for the third and subsequent offenses.**gaby keith
