New DOH secretary to expand anti-smoking drive, but...

President Benigno Aquino III's Health secretary is planning to expand the government's no-smoking drive, but has no plans of reminding his boss about it. Health Secretary Enrique Ona said he wants to remind Filipinos of the ill effects of smoking in efforts to discourage, especially the youth, from starting the habit. "Ang no-smoking campaign natin is something na dapat i-expand. Yun lang, kailangan ipaliwanag nang husto para maintindihan ng ating mga kababayan ang problema at masamang idudulot ng paninigarilyo, lalo na sa kabataan na baka maayang manigarilyo nang maaga (We want to expand the no-smoking campaign. We want to make Filipinos understand the ill effects of smoking, and to discourage the young from picking up the habit early in their lives)," Ona said in an interview on dzXL radio. Ona's predecessor Esperanza Cabral had taken an aggressive action against smoking, issuing an administrative order requiring graphic warnings on cigarette packs. The move aimed to make consumers more aware of the ill effects of smoking on health. But Ona admitted he will not "remind" President Aquino of the ill effects of smoking, saying he expects his boss to know what is right or wrong. Aquino, who had been criticized for his smoking, had said he is not inclined to kick the habit soon because withdrawal symptoms may affect his decision-making. The president has so far not been seen smoking in public engagements since his inauguration last June 30. "Di na natin kailangan sabihan ang ating presidente, alam na niya ang gagawin (We do not need to tell him that. He knows what to do)," Ona said when asked if he would remind Aquino of the ills of smoking. "Siguro tanungin natin siya ano plano niya. I think as I said yan ay personal ng tao, titingnan natin ano ang makakasama (Perhaps we can ask him what he plans to do about his smoking habit. As I said, smoking is a personal matter)," he said. — LBG/RSJ GMANews.TV