Philippines bans smoking in public places nationwide
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on May 16 signed an executive order banning smoking in public places nationwide to establish “smoke-free environments in public and enclosed places”.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on May 16 signed anexecutive order banning smoking in public places nationwide to establish“smoke-free environments in public and enclosed places”.
The ban carries a maximum penalty of four months in jail and a fine of 5,000pesos (265 USD).
Designated smoking areas not larger than 10 square metres will be set up atleast 10 metres from building entrances or exits.
Duterte was once a heavy smoker but quit when he was diagnosed with Buerger’sdisease, which can cause blockages in the blood vessels.
Scientists said that smoking is the second leading cause of death anddisability after blood pressure, while the World Health Organisation warnedthat half of smokers face a high risk of early death.
Statistics showed that there are about 17 million Philippine smokers, or nearlya third of the adult population.-VNA
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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
