MANILA – A number of advocacy groups expressed support for the proposed nationwide ban on smoking, which is expected to take effect this year.
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said it expects President Rodrigo Duterte to sign an executive order on a nationwide smoking ban within the year.
“Nagsubmit na po kami sa Office of the President ng isang draft EO [Executive Order] kung saan hinihikayat na ang Presidente, lahat ng agencies of government, na iimplement na yung tulad ng pag implement ng smoking ban in Davao City,” Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said.
(We already submitted a draft EO urging the President and all government agencies to start implementing a smoking ban like the one in Davao City.)
In a joint statement issued by advocacy groups Coalition of Clean Air Advocates, Health Futures Foundation, HealthJustice Philippines, New Vois Association of the Philippines and WomanHealth Philippines, the coalition said it staunchly supports the administration’s plan to make the country smoke-free.
In an open letter to the president, the group said it is eagerly waiting for the president to sign the executive order enforcing the nationwide smoking ban.
“Like you, we believe we must lose no time in providing a smoke-free environment for our children and families,” the statement said. “We look forward to the EO declaring a nationwide smoking ban.”
