Doctors hold anti-smoking motorcade from QC to Mandaluyong

Doctors appealed anew to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to lead the fight against smoking as they held an anti-smoking motorcade and fun run from Quezon City to Mandaluyong City on Monday. Philippine Medical Association (PMA) spokesman Dr. Mike Aragon said Aquino should be aware of his duty to protect the health of Filipinos. "Smoking is a major crime against your body ... As the father of the nation, he has the duty to protect the health and welfare of the people," he said in an interview on dzBB radio. The PMA contingent started its motorcade at 6 a.m. from its headquarters in Quezon City, and proceeded to Mandaluyong City where it signed an agreement with the city government there. Under the agreement, the PMA will conduct seminars and lectures about the hazards of smoking. Aragon said Mandaluyong Mayor Ben-hur Abalos, who quit smoking some years back, vowed his full support against smoking. "The mayor ... will issue an order mandating call center agents, kung may HIV seminar dapat may anti-smoking seminar. Ang call center agent ang lifestyle nila very risky," he said. (The mayor will issue an order mandating call center agents to undergo anti-smoking seminars. If they can have HIV seminars they should also have this. Call center agents have risky lifestyles.)