‘Smoking rooms will no longer be allowed ’

By Ivy C. Tejano

Sunday, June 3, 2012

DAVAO City Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte said on Sunday he intends to amend the city’s Anti-Smoking Ordinance such that there will be no more provision for smoking rooms.

This will include the smoking room at the Davao International Airport, Duterte said in his television program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa.”

“I would like to serve a notice that we will amend the law to remove the smoking room and make the ordinance general for all. Didto mo sa gawas panigarilyo (You can only smoke outside),” Duterte said.

“And besides paggawas nimo gikan sa smoking room whether you like it or not, ang aso ug baho niana (Once a smoker goes out of the room, the smoke will follow him and) will go around inside the building. There's no sense of allowing it, so prepare for the amendment of the ordinance," he added.

Duterte said the move will help achieve a smoke-free city without exposure to second-hand smoke.

The Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City was implemented on November 2002 with the aim of regulating smoking in public establishments around the City. The city received several awards here and abroad after the ordinance was implemented.

Although Duterte said he does not have the exact date yet when he would want the ordinance amended, he said it would be done too soon.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on June 04, 2012.

link from SUNSTAR DAVAO