Lim orders arrest of smokers in Manila

Manila, Philippines - In a bid to make Manila a no-smoking zone, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered yesterday a heightened campaign against cigarette smokers particularly among Manila City Hall employees.

In yesterday’s Manila Anti-Smoking Task Force (MASTF) meeting, Lim directed MASTF chairman Ricardo de Guzman to ensure that the anti-smoking campaign spares no one.

“From top to bottom, from the highest ranking official down to the janitor, all will be apprehended. We are strictly enforcing all ordinances and laws that prohibit smoking. Violators face the penalty of paying a fine, imprisonment, as well as administrative sanctions,” Lim said.

“I am again imposing this order as I see that it is not being taken seriously,” Lim added.

Lim said he wants the city to be a hundred percent tobacco smoke-free.

“Kailangan natin pangalagaan ang ating kalusugan dahil ang malusog na pangangatawan ay makapagbibigay sa atin ng wastong pag-iisip para maging isang responsableng mamamayan,” Lim said.

Lim said Republic Act No. 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, and City Ordinance No. 7748 prohibit smoking in all enclosed places like hospitals, schools, public buildings, shopping malls, theaters, warehouses and factories, public utility vehicles and other pubic conveyances operating in the city.

Lim said MASTF enforcers led by SPO4 Manuel Andaya Jr. will go around City Hall offices to arrest violators of the said directives.

De Guzman meanwhile lauded MPD District Operations and Plans Division (DOPD) police Superintendent Edgar Salon Ferrater and his men for doing their job by seriously implementing the anti-tobacco smoking laws.

Smokers will be fined P500 or imprisonment of not more than two days, or both under the ordinance.