City workers caught smoking in public at height of typhoon

CEBU, Philippines - At least 21 government workers were caught violating the law that prohibits smoking in public places at the height of the city’s response efforts for typhoon Ruby, the Cebu City Environment Sanitation and Enforcement Team (CESET) disclosed yesterday.

CESET chief Grace Luardo said seven policemen and 14 barangay tanods were caught smoking evacuees were transferring to evacuation centers.

 “Starting to evacuate na sa mga tawo, nanigarilyo sila nya lain basin makakuan (affect) sa health sa mga tawo (in the evacuation centers). Among giisyuhan og citation ticket,” Luardo said.

Violators have two options – either to pay P1,500 on the spot or do community service for one day for at least seven to eight hours.

 “Ang pagpanigarilyo sa publikong lugar like sa jeep, sa City Hall ug sa mga simbahan, P1,500 gyud,” she said.

She said government employees should be role models in following the laws.

“Unfair man gud nga sila ang mga mu-accommodate (or catch the law breakers) niya sila ang magpabadlong,” Luardo said.

She said CESET has never been remiss in information dissemination.

“Oo nagsige ta ana, information dissemination… nangha-tag nami mga leaflets ug nagpahibaw sad pinaagi sa mga poster ug sa mga radio announcements,” she said.

 Section 5 of Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 prohibits smoking in public places such as centers of youth activities, elevator, stairwells, location in which fire hazards are present, within the buildings and premises of public and private hospitals, public conveyance and public facilities and food preparation areas.

 Aside from smoking, Luardo is also reminding the public to throw their garbage properly.

 She said the CESET employees patrol the city to also check those who are not throwing their garbage properly. Those who will be caught doing so will be fined P500. — (FREEMAN)