Lim reimposes smoking ban at city hall

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim reimposed a ban on smoking at the city hall starting yesterday, saying the prohibition covers everyone, regardless of status or rank.

“There will be no exemption,” he said. “The best way to kick off this campaign is by starting with city hall itself. We should set good examples.”

Lim’s move stemmed from the implementation of City Ordinance 7748, which prohibits smoking in all enclosed places like hospitals, schools, public buildings, shopping malls, theaters, warehouses and factories, public utility vehicles and other public conveyances operating in the city. The ordinance was passed in 1991.

He also urged those who cannot kick the habit to respect the rights of non-smokers, who are forced to inhale second-hand smoke, which is equally harmful to health.

During yesterday’s flag-raising ceremony, Lim also appealed to the heads of departments, bureaus and offices to take it upon themselves to lead by example and constantly remind their subordinates to comply with the prohibition.

Lim has directed his chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman to spearhead the campaign to make city hall a smoke-free zone as chairman of the Manila Anti-Smoking Task Force and to constantly coordinate with the Metro Manila Development Authority, which is enforcing the ban on a wider scope.

He also ordered city security force chief Nicolas Amparo to assign the necessary number of personnel to do the rounds at the city hall.

Councilors Josie Siscar, Niño de la Cruz and Lou Veloso, who were present during the ceremony, were also asked by Lim to urge their colleagues to observe the ban and make their staff aware of it.