4 violators of smoking ban fined P500 each

MANILA, Philippines - Four people in Legazpi City have been convicted for violating the ban on smoking in public, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced yesterday.

In separate decisions of the Municipal Trial Court Branch 1 Presiding Judge Arlinda Gratil-Resari imposed a fine of P500 each on Juan Joseph Monson, Mark Louie Balonzo Maceda, Antonio Bellen Baraquiel, Jr. and Angel Araneta.

Monson was issued a citation ticket for smoking near an eating place along Mabini street in Legazpi City, which, according to the court ruling, is “accessible or open to the public and for collective use.”

Maceda was caught smoking at the covered walkway of Landco Business Park, Baraquiel on Lakandula street and Bonot and Araneta near the Land Transportation Office office along Balintawak street in Old Albay.

In a statement, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the smoking ban was implemented to safeguard the health of the general public.

“When smokers are penalized the purpose is not to persecute them but to entice them to be health-conscious,” she said.

She said city ordinances on smoking in public places is in keeping with Section 5 of Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which prohibits smoking in centers of youth activity, elevators and stairwells, areas where there are fire hazards such as gas stations, public and private hospitals, public conveyances and public facilities and food preparation areas.

The DOJ secretary is a member of the Inter-Agency Committee-Tobacco that has the exclusive power to administer and implement the provisions of RA 9211.