Philippines: Nationwide public smoking ban to take effect July 23

Event

President Rodrigo Duterte’s executive order banning public smoking throughout the country will take effect on Sunday, July 23. The ban covers indoor and outdoor smoking and carries a maximum fine of PHP 5000 (USD 100) and up to four months in jail. Authorities specified on July 17 that vapor and e-cigarettes are not included in the smoking ban, but local government task forces created to oversee the ban’s enforcement will be allowed to implement an ordinance.

Small designated smoking areas will be created for adults at least 10 m (33 ft) from building entrances and exits. Casinos and airports are also included in the ban.

Context

President Duterte signed the order on May 16, 2017. The ban is one of the strictest in the region and is modeled after a similar ordinance Duterte created in Davao City in 2012. There are roughly 17 million smokers in the Philippines, including nearly half of the adult male population. Philippine public health organizations have battled the influential tobacco lobby for many years and have welcomed the president’s move to end public smoking.

Advice

Individuals present in the Philippines are advised to adhere to all government regulations.