Cases mulled against smoke law offenders

By Paul Rillorta

BAGUIO CITY – Acting City mayor Daniel Farinas has ordered last week city employees to adhere to the no smoking policy in all government offices as per Administrative order No. 73 series of 2012.

Farinas memorandum order comes in the wake of reports reaching him that some offices of the city government, although unspecified, do not comply to CSC MC No. 17 series of 2009 or the smoking prohibition based on a 100% Smoke Free Environment Policy.

“Report anybody found not following the guidelines so that proper action can be taken against them,” Farinas said.

Meantime, the city government’s fight to eradicate smoking grew stronger after Mayor Mauricio Domogan, a strong advocate of the anti-smoking campaign signed Administrative Order 28 series of 2012.

AO 28 specifically creates a committee that would raise employee awareness on the negative effects of smoking.

The committee is tasked to conduct surveys on smoking prevalence among employees, monitor and report violations of MC 17.

They are also tasked to investigate, decide on actions to be undertaken on erring employees who do not comply with said directives.

The committee is also tasked to install “No Smoking” signages in conspicuous places within city hall premises and do compliance monitoring at any time.

The newly formed committee is chaired by mayor Mauricio Domogan with Vice-mayor Daniel Farinas as vice-chair with Councilor Philian Louise Weygan-Allan.

Other members include City Human Resource management Officer Dr. Estrella Bisquera as Action Officer, City Health Officer Dr. Florence Reyes, City Engineer Leo Bernanrdez, City Administrator Atty. Carlos Canilao and City General Services Officer Romeo Concio.

The city has conducted five sessions of symposium on MC 17 which was attended to by 560 employees from different departments of the city government.