http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=161336430638
By Marcelo L. Lihgawon
Tuesday 8th of May 2012
HUNGDUAN, Ifugao, May 8 (PIA) – – Smokers have to be more restrained and self-disciplined with the municipal government imposing no smoking policy in government offices, public schools premises, and public utility vehicles.
The passage of the municipal ordinance banning smoking in public places is in support of the anti-smoking campaign and the unrelenting effort of the local government unit to protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of tobacco products.
This is also in line with Republic Act 8749 or the “Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 that prohibits smoking inside enclosed or confined public places and all public transportation.”
Introduced by councilor Lucas A Bugatti, it is unlawful for any person to smoke cigarettes inside public buildings and places, school premises, restaurants, public utility passenger vehicles and other similar places in the municipality. However, a smoking area can be designated which shall not be located in or near areas where people usually gather .
Any person found guilty of violating the ordinance would be penalized P150 or four hours community service for first offense; P300 or eight hours community service for second offense; and P500 or 16-hour community service for third offense and subsequent offenses or imprisonment upon the discretion of the court.
For owners and operators of businesses, their license to operate will be suspended in case of third and consequent offenses and failure of the establishment to pay the fine indicated in a citation ticket within five regular business days from its issuance.
Mayor Hilario T. Bumangabang enjoined the local police, barangay officials, municipal heads and schools administrators, including drivers of public utility vehicles to fully implement this anti-smoking campaign. *(JDP/MBL-PIA CAR,Ifugao)