Nationwide Smoking Ban takes effect on July 23

The Nationwide Smoking Ban or Executive Order (EO) No. 26 was implemented on July 23.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the EO last May 16 clearly stating the establishment of smoke free environments in public and enclosed spaces. The Executive Order prohibits smoking within public spaces and public conveyances, whether stationary or in motion, except in Designated Smoking Areas (DSAs). In addition, smoking is prohibited in schools, recreational facilities, stairwells, elevators, fire hazard areas, hospitals, clinics, and areas in food preparation.

(Photo Courtesy by Department of Health)

According to reports, DOH Secretary Paulyn Rosell-Ubial encourages local government units to take the lead in enforcing the nationwide smoking ban and should form their respective smoke-free task force. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a press statement: “The implementation of this EO is a realization of our dream of a tobacco-free future. Together, let us give our full cooperation and support to the smoke-free establishments in public and enclosed places.”