OLONGAPO CITY — The city government has begun implementing an anti-smoking drive here which has generated both applause and criticism from residents because of the strict policy prohibiting people from lighting up in public places.

Under City Ordinance No. 19, which was passed recently, smoking in enclosed or partially-enclosed public places, work places, and public conveyances is unlawful and prohibited.

The ordinance also banned the selling or distribution of tobacco products in or within 100 meters of schools, public playground and other facilities frequented by minors; and selling or distribution of tobacco products to minor, as well as purchasing such products from them.

It also prohibited advertising materials of tobacco products outside point-of-sale establishments, or even inside the premises of such establishments when they are not allowed to sell or distribute tobacco products.

According to City Councilor Noel Atienza, who authored the 11-page ordinance, the council has defined public places where smoking will not be allowed as “all places, fixed or mobile, that are accessible to the public.”

“This meant that no cigarette or tobacco product shall be allowed within 100 meters from schools, churches, hospitals and government offices,” Atienza clarified.

Vendors are also prohibited from even lighting a cigarette to be sold to minors, he added.

The strict implementation of the anti-smoking law was welcomed by most residents here, and supporters cheered on Mayor Rolen Paulino as he personally collared violators on the first day that the ordinance was enforced.

However, smokers affected by ban said that the implementation “bordered on violation of the spirit of the law which provided for designated smoking areas (DSAs).”

“What happened here in Olongapo was that it was a total ban. You cannot smoke even in open areas and they have not provided for any designated smoking area in government offices. That’s also a violation because EO 26 signed by President Duterte calls for DSAs,” said a local businessman.

An official from the city hall confirmed the non-establishment of DSAs in government offices in the city.

“The mayor does not want to put up DSAs. He wants to stop smoking, period,” the official said.

“There is no more democratic space for smokers if we interpret the law like that,” a resident reacted. “It doesn’t look right.”

According to the city’s Public Information Office, more than 50 persons have already been fined for violating the ordinance.

The local law imposed a fine of P500 for first offense, P1,000 for second offense, and P2,500 for the third and subsequent offenses, or imprisonment of not more than six months, for violation of Section 5, which bans smoking in prohibited areas, and selling tobacco products to minors.

Violation of the ban on advertising materials carries a stiffer fine: P2,000 for first offense; P3,000 for second; and P5,000, or imprisonment of not more than six months, for the third and subsequent offenses. Business establishments found violating the ordinance also face revocation of their business license or permit.

Paulino said a local task force has also been formed to carry out the enforcement of the new ordinance.

Last week, the mayor made some violators do some community work by cleaning the streets when they said they cannot pay the fine.  – Carrie Aspa

PHOTO: Mayor Paulino (right) personally arrests a violator of the smoking ban in Olongapo City.