Mayor orders 100-M tobacco ban in schools

By Paul Rillorta

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan has ordered strict implementation of no sale of tobacco products within 100 meter radius of schools in this mountain resort.

With opening of classes for public schools, Domogan said, “strict implementation of this law will prevent children from being exposed to cigarettes and its harmful effects.”

As per Republic Act 9211, Section 10, the sale and distribution of tobacco products is prohibited within one hundred meters from any point of a school, public playground or other facility frequented by minors.

Any person, business entity or establishment selling, distributing or purchasing a cigarette or any tobacco product will be fined P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days while business licenses or permits shall be cancelled or revoked.

If the violation is by an establishment or business entity, the owner, manager, or the most senior officer shall be liable for the offense.

The city government also strengthened its anti-smoking policy with enforcement of Administrative order No. 28 series of 2012 which created implementation committee for the 100%  smoke-free environment policy of the Civil Service Commission and enforcement of City ordinance No. 8 series of 2008 or the Comprehensive anti-Smoking Ordinance.

The Philippines is signatory to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

The city council is also slated to amend the comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance of the city to make it more effective. 

The new comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance enumerates in detail places where it is prohibited to smoke.