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DOH: Noynoy’s smoking may pose security woes


In more ways than one, smoking may be dangerous to the health of president-apparent Sen. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquino III, even as his habit might also cause security problems once he becomes Malacañang’s main tenant. Quoting an anti-smoking advocate, Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral on Tuesday said it may be difficult to secure the incoming president if he is outdoors, puffing cigarettes away. "Kaya sabi ng isang anti-smoking advocate maawa siya sa PSG, mahirap siyang i-secure kung lalabas siya 10 meters away from the building sa Malacañang (An anti-smoking advocate had commented Aquino should take pity on the Presidential Security Group. It will be hard to secure him if he decides to smoke 10 meters away from a government building such as Malacañang)," Cabral said in an interview on dwIZ radio. Cabral said Philippine laws may restrict Aquino to puffing away in a restricted room, or 10 meters away from any government building, including Malacañang. Under Republic Act 9211 and the Civil Service Commission, smoking may constitute a violation of office rules and procedures. Aquino, a known smoker, had said he is not keen on being a poster boy for anti-smoking advocates, at least at this time. He said kicking the habit may cause more stress that may affect his decisions. CSC rule on smoking Under Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular 17 signed by then chairman Ricardo Saludo on May 29, 2009, “smoking shall be absolutely prohibited in or on the premises, buildings and grounds of government agencies providing health, education and/or social welfare and development." The circular prohibits smoking in areas anywhere in or on the government premises, buildings and grounds, except for open spaces designated as “smoking areas." It defines a smoking area as located in an open space, and should not be located within 10 meters of entrances, exits or where people congregate. Also, the smoking area cannot be larger than 10 square meters. Government buildings should not have more than one designated smoking area. Smoking shall be prohibited in government vehicles. Building administrators in government areas are to ensure strict compliance with the requirements of the smoking area. Any violation shall be ground for disciplinary action, the CSC circular said. RA 9211 Under Republic Act 9211, smoking shall be absolutely prohibited in the following public places: * Centers of youth activity such as playschools, preparatory schools, elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, youth hostels and recreational facilities for persons under 18 years old; * Elevators and stairwells; * Locations in which fire hazards are present, including gas stations and storage areas for flammable liquids, gas, explosives or combustible materials; * Within the buildings and premises of public and private hospitals, medical, dental, and optical clinics, health centers, nursing homes, dispensaries and laboratories; * Public conveyances and public facilities including airport and ship terminals and train and bus stations, restaurants and conference halls, except for separate smoking areas; and * Food preparation areas.— LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV

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