Baguio collects over P2.1M from anti-smoking ordinance

Baguio City, Philippines – The city was able to collect a total penalty of P2,185,000.00 for the implementation of the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance from violators in 2020, the City Health Service Office reported on Thursday, March 25, 2021.

In a report by PIO Baguio, Cecile Agpawa of CHSO during the Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force’s first quarter meeting said that the amount was collected by the task force from individuals and establishments violating the provisions stated in the ordinance.

Most of the apprehensions, she said were made by the Baguio City Police Office and Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) personnel.

The ordinance aiming to safeguard public health by protecting them from the harmful effects of smoking, vaping and tobacco consumption is principally authored by Councilor Joel Alangsab.

Implemented on January 2018, the ordinance prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products in certain places and imposing penalties for violations.

Penalties range from P1000 to P3000 for individuals and P2000 to P5000 for establishments.

Among the areas, where smoking and vaping is not allowed according to the ordinance, are public places, outdoor spaces, public vehicles, enclosed or partially enclosed areas, and areas under absolute smoking ban.

A designated smoking area, the ordinance provides, are those outdoor spaces, duly approved by the City Health Office.

Aside from collecting fines, the task force has also reported that deputation of enforcers, distribution of Information education campaign materials, smoke cessation sessions and intervention with the tobacco industry’s action for last year were conducted.

For this year, PIO Baguio said that the task force plans to celebrate in the city the World No Tobacco Day on May; prioritize and implement Smoke-Free strategic plan; continue the compliance monitoring and information education campaigns; develop and implement transition and sustainability processes; training of new POSD personnel and many more.

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