Pasig government demands residents to stop smoking or leave the city

The Pasig City government aims to have a smoke-free environment in two year's time. Smokers who reside in Pasig should gradually kick the habit or move out of the city.This was the terse reminder of the local government to residents of Pasig.

On December 15, the Pasig City Council unanimously approved an amended anti-smoking ordinance implementing a tougher crackdown on people hooked on nicotine with the goal of making public areas in Pasig completely smoke-free in two years' time.

The 16-page amended ordinance, authored by Councilor Alexee Santiago, underwent almost a year of deliberations and revisions before it was approved by the city council.

Under the amended ordinance, violators face stiffer sanctions and bigger fines. It also removes the provision in the old ordinance which allows buildings to set aside areas which are exclusive to smokers.

This means that within the next two years, all buildings in Pasig, including bars and other similar establishments, should phase out their designated smoking areas.

According to Raquel Naciongayo, head of the city environment and natural resources office, in the first two years of implementation, the city government will conduct a massive information drive so that the ordinance will be known to the public and then proceed to its gradual implementation. (PIA)