CHO Pushes Harder for Smoking Ban

                "The Republic Act No. 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 and the Anti Smoking Ordinance of the city is now undergoing a stronger implementation," said Arniel Laurence Q. Portuguez, MD, City Health Office Head. 

                Portuguez added that the ordinance is gaining cooperation from the Carloseños as they voluntarily disallowed the advertisement ad to be placed in their stores and others facilities.

                Juan Carlos Ramon Solidarios, the Anti Smoking Coordinator of the city told NRWP in an interview that the CHO received a letter from the Province last March 24, informing them to strictly implement the RA 9211 with regards to the "no tobacco sales or ads within 100 meters of the school, playgrounds or other facilities frequented particularly by those below 18 years old."

                Solidarios said that they have also received a letter from the National Office last February 2011 which contains the same mandate as the Province Office letter.

                "In response to the National Letter last year, the CHO with the task force composed of the City Police personnel and the law enforcement personnel (e.g. barangay tanod) went to some facilities like sari-sari stores, which are within the 100 meter radius as what RA 9211 stated to strip off the cigarette ads." Solidarios said.

                On February last year, the Altria Group Inc. (MOs) Phillip Morris which sells Marlboro and other brands, sent the CHO a letter threatening the CHO head, Portuguez, that they will file a case against him for stripping off the cigarette posters.

                "Dr. Portuguez was informed that the insistence on pulling out the ads will oblige Phillip Morris Company to lodge court case against him," Solidarios added.  "But the company did not pursue the filing of case because they know their boundaries as RA 9211 provides.

                The coordinator further explained that, "At present, we will have a stronger implementation of the no tobacco ads within the 100 meters of the facilities frequented by those below 18 years old.  We will not do it to all the establishments but only to the designated places as stipulated in the Provincial Communication and the city will not give way to pressure of this big company."

Friendly, smoke-free campaign

                Morito Alba, 58 years old owns a sari-sari store at Ylagan Street and he said that last year barangay tanods came to his store and asked him if they can remove the smoking ads in the store.  "Nananghid sila nako ug pwede ba nila makuha ang mga advertisement ads/posters…Friendly ra kaayo ilang approach ug gibalik ra nila dayon ang posters sa amo-a ug ilang gi-explain ang purpose kaniadto."

                Alba still has the cigarette ad security light, but every night the lights are turned off.  He added that it was a voluntary act to remove the ads, not by force.

Tighter actions

                This year, with the letter from the province, Solidarios said that the CHO is motivated to strongly implement the Anti Smoking Ordinance in spite of the tobacco giant "blackmailing" the office.

                Several activities are to be done like, inspecting regularly the compliance of indoor and public places and posting of 'No Smoking' signs; continue to disseminate on the hazards of smoking; to effectively implement the provision of the ordinance, the police officers must enforce and should be complemented with the regular inspection of the establishment; and conduct regular meeting with the ordinance enforcers and task force.

                Dr. Portuguez concluded, "We as professional know that efforts such as smoking ban are necessary as there are no safe levels of exposure to second hand smokers."

                He stressed the need to give priority to people's health over the insufficient revenues derived from the tobacco industry.