Imposing Nationwide Smoking Ban in the Philippines

The Philippines ranked second in the highest number of smokers among the South-east Asian countries. The ranking is quite alarming that our President Rodrigo Duterte is planning to impose a nationwide smoking ban in all public places. The executive order of a smoke-free Philippines is now ready and is awaiting Duterte’s signature.

             According to Assistant Health Secretary Eric Tayag, the executive order aims to protect the public from second-hand smoke- that is inhaled when a smoker is nearby or when smoke lingers afterwards. The nationwide smoking ban in the Philippines should be imposed to stop the hazards of secondhand-smoke, reduce healthcare costs, and improve work productivity.