Saturday, July 16, 2016

Philippines - Duterte: Anti-Smoking Law In The Entire Philippines A Possibility?

Much talk and anticipation surrounds the countdown to June 30 as the Newly Elected Incumbent Mayor Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte officially becomes the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines. He is quite vocal of the simple changes he want made.

Among these, are the ordinances that were implemented effectively in the City of Davao of which he was a mayor of for six terms or a total of 18 years. One of these ordinances is the Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City.

The ordinance is clear-cut.  Smoking in public places, public institutions, and business establishments open to the public are not allowed. Smoking can only be done in designated smoking areas. The reason is to prevent second-hand smoking and endangering the public to exposure on second-hand smoke. 

This ordinance started in 2002. 10 years later, or in 2012, because of its effectiveness, it was amended and revamped. The new ordinance, 0367-12 series of 2012, now included electronic cigarettes or “vape” as a considered form of smoking due to its e-juice containing nicotine.

Also, there were absolutely no more designated smoking areas in public utilities such as airports and terminals; public institutions, offices and the like; and stricter rules were needed to be complied by business establishments that allow its customers to smoke.

Now, a designated smoking area in Davao needed to be in an area surrounded by plants, without a roof, not serving any beverages or any type of food, and must contain warnings and graphic descriptions and effects of the hazards of smoking.

It was in its implementation that made the ordinance effective. The Mayor, now President-elect, was known for being strict in implementing ordinances. With an incorruptible and vigilant Police force enforcing the law; stiff fines and seminars if caught, it became an effective deterrent for smokers to not test the law and smoke in public.

Confirmed incidents were told that erring smokers caught red-handed by the Mayor were forced to swallow their own cigarettes, or suffer harsher consequences.

We all know how smoking affects for both the smokers and the non-smokers.  To the smokers, quitting the habit is the ultimate challenge.   But knowing its benefits can surely motivate to finally saying goodbye to this bad vice.   Living a smoke free life will be able you to:  

Improvement of Lung performance
Exercise or perform activities with less shortness of breath.  Your lung capacity improves when you do not smoke.

Improvement of blood circulation
Improve blood circulation and boost your immune system which makes it easier to fight off colds and flu.  A healthier you!

Better Sexual Performance
Be better in bed. Yes, you read that right.  Quitting the habit improves body’s blood flow which also improves sensitivity.  For men, they get better erections and for women, orgasms may improve and become aroused more easily.

Improvement in your senses
Improve you smell and taste.  It will return to normal because food tastes and smells different when you smoke and your nose is being dulled by the hundreds of toxic chemicals found in cigarettes.  Your clothes, your body, your car and your home will smell better too.

Youthful Look
Look younger.  The stains on your teeth and fingernails will start to fade.  You will eventually delay the appearance of wrinkles and facial ageing.  The skin of non-smokers gets more nutrients as compared to smokers.

In a nutshell, it is Duterte’s goal for his constituents to live longer and more healthy.

So good to be true right? It will be a tough act to accomplish but the Filipinos will surely watch each and every move of the new leader.



You can find older posts regarding ASEAN politics and economics news at SBC blog, and older posts regarding health and healthcare at IIMS blog. I thank you.

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