The implementation of cigarette-smoke free zones aims to protect the general public from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and/or second-hand smoke. This policy is in line with RA9211 (the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003) and RA8749 (CLEAN AIR ACT of 1999) which prohibits smoking in public places such as in schools, hospitals, offices, public transportation terminals, offices, etc.
The policy’s main advantage would be decreased exposure to secondhand smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of developing lung cancer and other respiratory-related complications. Smoke-free zones also help decrease air pollution and improve the quality of air. In terms of disadvantages, this policy has no major drawback.
Since 2004, the Quezon City local government has been strict with the enforcement of this policy. Current QC mayor, Joy Belmonte, has expressed her commitment to ban smoking in public areas and her plans to revise and improve the policy and its implementation. In a 2018 news article, two women and a store in Quezon City were penalized due to their violation of the Ordinance 1420, which bans smoking in public areas within the city.
In my opinion, the implementation of the policy could be improved. Its implementation is effective only when enforcers/marshals are around the area. My suggestion would be a text-based reporting system that would allow the public to report violators.
References
No Smoking in Public Places Policy: 5 Things You Need to Know. No Smoking in Public Places Policy. (n.d.). Retrieved September 4, 2022, from https://mmda.gov.ph/20-faq/285-no-smoking-in-public-places-policy.html
Raymundo , P. (2019, January 28). QC exec vows strict enforcement of smoking ban. Philippine News Agency. Retrieved September 4, 2022, from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060237
Raymundo, P. (2018, August 22). Quezon City steps up anti-smoking Drive. Philippine News Agency. Retrieved September 4, 2022, from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045601