British American Tobacco Philippines on Monday expressed its support to the strict nationwide implementation of a smoking ban in public places that will be embodied in a proposed executive order.
Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial said President Rodrigo Duterte was set to sign this month the EO banning smoking in public places.
“The no-smoking policy being implemented in Davao will also be enforced across the country,” said Ubial in an interview.
Duterte imposed a smoking ban in public places in Davao City, where he was a long-time mayor.
BAT chief executive officer James Michael Lafferty BAT would have no issue with the implementation of such a ban.
“Such bans are already being implemented throughout the country at varying degrees of enforcement, as already enshrined in Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulations Act of 2003. We don’t see any issue with the new administration pushing for a more uniform enforcement across all LGUs (local government units),” Lafferty said.
RA 9211 prohibits smoking in public places such as schools and centers of youth activity; elevators and stairwells; locations in which fire hazards are present; within buildings and premises of public and private hospitals, health centers and similar institutions; and public conveyances and public facilities, including airport and ship terminals.
Smoking and non-smoking areas will be designated in all other areas where non-smokers may be exposed.
The Department of Health is also pushing for the amendment of RA 9211, which seeks to eliminate contentious tobacco control policies, particularly in the area of point-of-sale advertisements and designation of smoking areas.
BAT said it would take responsible positions on health issues.
“BAT has consistently demonstrated in the Philippines that we will be a responsible tobacco company that supports sensible regulations advocated by the government,” said Lafferty.