Judge sets hearing on smoking ban case

MANILA, Philippines - The Mandaluyong regional trial court (RTC) has set for Sept. 23 the hearing of the case filed by two security guards against the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for apprehending them for smoking in a public place.

Antony Clemente and Vrianne Lamsen, who were given violation tickets on July 26 by MMDA environment enforcers after they were caught smoking on the sidewalk on EDSA, filed the case.

The MMDA’s implementation of Republic Act (RA) 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, was temporary stopped for 20 days after Judge Carlos Valenzuela of the Mandaluyong RTC granted the motion of Clemente and Lamsen for a temporary restraining order (TRO).

The 20-day TRO, which took effect on Aug. 23 after Clemente and Lamsen lodged with the court a P100,000 bond, ended on Sept. 11.

Valenzuela said this also means that the MMDA must implement the prohibition of smoking in places as specified in RA 9211.

The MMDA has so far apprehended 7,627 persons for violating the smoking ban.