Cigarette-smoke free zones refers to the areas in which there is an imposed ban, restriction, or regulation on cigarette smoking. This is being strengthened by existing legislation such as the Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2009-010 and Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.
The DOH Administrative Order No. 2009-010 aims to protect the public from the harmful and damaging effects of tobacco smoke as well as encourage local government units (LGUs) to actively ensure and promote a 100% smoke-free environment.This encompasses DOH Offices and Units, Centers for Health Development, Hospitals, and all levels of LGUs. On the other hand, the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 prohibits smoking inside public spaces such as public transportation and other enclosed areas.
These are advantageous given that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death associated with lung cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses. Accordingly, the Philippines is one of the top 15 countries with tobacco smoking-related deaths wherein 87,600 Filipinos die annually. With this, cigarette-smoke free zones offer increased protection not only for the smokers but also the nonsmokers affected by secondhand smoke, especially the vulnerable population such as young children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with respiratory problems.
Currently, both laws are reflected in my locality as the Cavite LGU strictly enforces the Municipal Ordinance No. 16 last 2018 disallowing smoking in government offices, public schools, and utility vehicles. I can also see numerous no smoking signs around public spaces which is one contributing factor to the discipline of its constituents.
References:
Pino, G. (2018). Cavite LGU to strictly enforce smoking ban. @Pnagovph; Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1052445
Executive Order No. 26 s.2017. (2017). Lawphil.net. https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo2017/eo_26_2017.html#:~:text=8749%2C%20or%20the%20Philippine%20Clean,WHEREAS%2C%20Republic%20Act%20No.
Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2009-0010 (2009). https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/basic-page/1_DOH%20AO%202009-0010%20Rules%20and%20Regulations%20for%20100%25%20SFE.pdf
No Smoking in Public Places Policy. (2017). Mmda.gov.ph. https://mmda.gov.ph/20-faq/285-no-smoking-in-public-places-policy.html