Council asks mayor to create smoke-free task force

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council urged Mayor Tomas Osmeña to form a Smoke-Free Task Force to efficiently implement Executive Order 26 or the smoking ban.

The council approved the resolution of Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia asking the mayor to create the task force in the city.

Garcia sponsored the resolution in order to be compliant with the executive order signed by President Rodrigo Duterte encouraging all cities and municipalities to create such task force.

“WHEREAS, Section 9 of EO26 enjoins all cities and municipalities to form local Smoke-Free Task Force to help carry put provisions of the said executive order,” portion of the resolution stated.

The smoke-free task force will be working hand in hand with the Philippine National Police to carry out the provisions in the executive order.

Apprehension of violators will be in accordance with existing laws.

To recall, on May 16, last year, Duterte signed the EO, a nationwide ban on smoking in all public places and setting strict guidelines on designated smoking areas.

Under the executive order, prohibited acts include smoking within enclosed public places and public conveyance, selling tobacco to minors, instructing a minor to smoke, selling tobacco products in school, public playgrounds, youth hostel, among others.

Meanwhile, establishments shall have a designated smoking area (DSAs) as provided under the EO.

In an interview, Osmeña said he will let Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office decide on the matter.

“Referred the matter to CCENRO...It’s for them to establish their priorities,” he told The FREEMAN.

However, at present CCENRO has no permanent head yet after the former head, Nida Cabrera, resigned from her post to run for a position in the barangay and SK elections.

Osmeña said he will announce Cabrera’s replacement soon.

In an interview, Cabrera said that CCENRO has been implementing the nationwide smoking ban.

The city has called the attention of about  2,000 establishments for their failure to establish DSA due to lack of space.  (FREEMAN)