Smokers to be punished in Paranaque

Smokers, have care when in Parañaque!  This LGU’s campaign vs. smoking is now in full swing.

This developed as City Resolution No. 11-001 (065), series of 2010, entitled: “A resolution approving the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Ordinance No. 10-09, series of 2008 otherwise known as an ordinance regulating smoking in public places and enclosed private places in the City of Parañaque and providing fees and penalties for violation thereof” was enacted by the City Council and approved by Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr.

Classified “Absolute Smoke-Free Areas” are: 1)All government structures and premises; 2)Elevators and stairwells; 3)Locations in which fire hazards are present, including gas stations and storage areas for flammable liquids, gas, explosive or combustible materials; 4)All centers of youth activity such as play schools, preparatory schools, elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities both public and private; youth hostels and recreational places for persons under eighteen (18) years old; 5)Within buildings and entire premises of public and private hospitals; medical, dental and optical clinics; health centers, nursing homes, dispensaries and laboratories; 6)Other places such as transportation terminals, offices and buildings, recreational places, shopping malls, movie houses, hotels and restaurants; 7)All places of worship; 8)Inside museums, libraries, auditoriums and coliseums both public and private; 9)Inside groceries, supermarkets and convenience stores; 10)Inside markets both public and private; 11)Inside public comfort rooms; and 12)Public outpost.

In all enclosed places that are open to the general public, private and public work places and other venues not placed under the above classification, the owners, proprietors, possessors, managers or administrators shall establish smoking and non-smoking areas. Such areas may include a designated smoking area within the building which maybe in an open space or in a separated area with proper ventilation.

The establishment of designated smoking areas must comply with pertinent provisions of the National Building Code of the Phil. (P.D. No. 1096), New Fire Code of the Phil. (R.A. 9514) and the Phil. Society of Mechanical Engineers Code. Also, it must meet local standards among them, floor area and signage requirements and the need to secure a Smoking Permit.

Implementing offices include the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) and the Office of the City Building Official (OCBO). Apprehending offices include the Parañaque PNP; Liga ng mga Barangay; and the City Health Office.

The fines and penalties for individual violators are as follows: Php500.00 for the first offense; Php1,000.00 for the second; and Php1,500.00 for the third. Violations by establishments will be meted as follows: Php2,000.00 for the first offense; Php3,000.00 for the second; and Php5,000.00 or a penalty of closure of the business establishment for the third violation.

“Cigarette smoking is clearly hazardous to health, not only of the smoker but also of any person who gets exposed to cigarette smoke including the smoker’s family even the baby yet to be born. It also compromises fire safety; pollutes the air and our river; dirties our streets; and clogs drainages and contributes to flooding. People know these ill effects fully well yet they choose to disregard the prudent advices of immediate family members and friends and ignore health, safety and related warnings. Sometime, it becomes necessary to protect people from themselves. For the general welfare of our citizens, we are fully implementing Ordinance No. Ordinance No. 10-09 and Resolution No.  11-001.”, Mayor Jun Bernabe said.