SP Aklan Regulates Smoking

The public hearing was presided by Hon. Selwyn Ibarreta (center) with (l to r) Hon. Victor Garcia, Hon. Rodson Mayor, Hon. Jean Rodriguez, and Hon. Daisy Sucro Briones.

Atty. Mario Perpetuo Zinampan and Atty. Wyanet Zaragoza of Philip Morris Philippines Management, Inc.

Tobacco smoking, a vice since time immemorial, will be regulated as soon as the proposed Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan ordinance is signed.and approved.

All those who attended the committee hearing on the proposed ordinance is unanimous in strongly indorsing the provincial ordinance’s approval as early as possible. The SP hearing was conducted by the Committee on Rules and Ordinances, and Committee on Health and Social Services. It was held in the SP Session Hall, Capitol Ground, Kalibo, Aklan on Wednesday afternoon, November 3.

The cross section of the Aklanon population attended the hearing who represented the LGU officials, government offices, health agencies, the academe, business community, non government organizations and restaurants, bars, and hotels among others.

The tobacco industry was represented by Atty. Wyanet Zaragoza, and Atty. Mario Perpetuo Zinampan. They are from Philip Morris Philippines Management, Inc. They both indorsed the approval of the proposed ordinance and offered to provide assistance in information campaign regarding the purposes and intent of the ordinance.

The proposed ordinance is authored by Hon. Selwyn Ibarreta, "An Ordinance Amending Provincial Ordinance No. 4, Series of 1995 As Amended by Provincial Ordinance No. 02-005 for the Regulation of Smoking in Public Places, Including Public Conveyances, Advertisements, Promotions and Sponsor-ships of Tobacco Products, and Providing Penalties Therefore, In Accordance With The Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 and Its Implementing Rules".

The ordinance will take effect upon its approval of the SP Aklan and the Provincial Governor and after its publication in the newspapers.

Those found violating the ordinance will be penalized P1,000 for the first offense, P5,000 for second offense, and P10,000 for the subsequent offense. The business permits and licenses to operate shall be revoked. /MP