We laud the resoluteness of the Duterte administration in implementing a nationwide smoking ban. Executive Order 26 was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on May 16; it took effect July 23.
This is a measure unthinkable during the previous administration. How could, after all, former President Benigno Aquino III lead by example when he himself struggled to stem his urge to smoke even when he was in the middle of public appearances? His frequent coughing reminded us he was reaping the effects of his life choices.
That harm is caused to the smoker and the people around him has long been established. Packets of cigarettes contain image and text warnings of the danger of smoking. Statistical and anecdotal evidence support the conclusion that smoking is dangerous.
That cigarettes continue to be sold to the public, however, tells us that ultimately, the decision to smoke or not lies with the individual.
These same individuals find themselves at a loss during these initial days of the ban. Many continue to smoke where they have been used to doing it, especially when there is little or no chance that authorities would spot and penalize them. Those however who have no choice but move in public places – roads, buildings and other establishments – have to struggle with where they can satiate their urge to smoke. Not all establishments have been prompt in designating smoking areas.
The unintended effect is that smokers have to go around for longer hours without their fix and minimize their consumption, or just violate the law altogether. The first may be an ultimate good; the second, an aberration.
The order does not say smoking is prohibited absolutely. That would be a curtailment of rights and an intrusion into free will. What it does say is that there are places where you can smoke and there are places where you can’t.
The sooner these places are established, the clearer the message would be: One is always free to choose a lifestyle, so long as others are not harmed or threatened. Most definitely, one should never make a mockery of the law, regardless of who, if anyone, is looking.
