Aklan board seeks to regulate smoking in public places
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – To protect the residents from the hazards of smoking cigarettes or tobaccos, smoking in public places and conveyances in the province of Aklan may soon be a thing of the past.

A public hearing on November 3 of the proposed no-smoking ordinance has been scheduled at the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The measure authored by SP member Selwyn Ibarreta is anchored on Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 which prohibits smoking in certain public places whether enclosed or outdoors like centers of youth activity, public facilities and public conveyances.

Ibarreta said, “to fully protect the health and welfare of the residents in Aklan and safeguard interest of stakeholders, a local ordinance is needed to regulate smoking in public places and conveyances, tobacco advertising, promotions and sponsorship in harmony with the rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 9211.”

The law also tasked local mayors, police and building officials in all local government units to implement the provisions of RA 9211.

Ibarreta, also the committee chairman on Laws and Ordinances, stressed that the unrestricted smoking in public places such as hospitals, sports complex, buses, government offices, schools, and enclosed establishments endangers the health and safety of the public.

Once approved, the provincial ordinance, which amend Provincial Ordinance No. 4 series of 2005, will impose penalties against violators and business permits and licenses of offenders will be canceled or revoked based on the Implementing Rules and Regulations the Tobacco Regulatory Act of 2003.

Under the law, on the first offense, any business entity or establishment selling cigarettes or tobacco or products to a minor will be fined at least P5,000 and the person caught selling the cigarettes or tobacco products to the minor faces imprisonment of not more than 30 days, upon the discretion of the court.

For succeeding offenses, both penalties will apply in addition to the revocation of business licenses or permits in the case of a business entity or establishments.