Aquino supports ban on smoking in public places

President Benigno Aquino III is supporting and will even comply with the ban on smoking in public places in Metro Manila, the implementation of which will start on Monday. “Sumusunod naman talaga ang Pangulo, so wala naman dahilan to think otherwise," said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte in an interview by Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday. President Aquino has yet to quit his smoking habit, although Valte said the President smokes only to relieve stress. She added that President Aquino’s smoking habit should not be made an issue. Valte also clarified that the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is not prohibiting the use of cigarettes. “Allow us to reiterate that smoking perse is not prohibited under the law," she said. The MMDA will ban smoking in public places like transportation terminals, loading and unloading areas and even public transport starting May 30, the eve of the World No Tobacco Day. A P500 fine or the rendering of an eight-hour community service will be slapped against violators. MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the campaign is in compliance with Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, earlier circulars of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) that bars smoking in public transport vehicles and terminals, and existing ordinances of the 17 cities in the National Capital Region. The campaign among others aims to protect non-smokers from second hand smoke and help achieve a smoke-free status by 2012. — KBK, GMA News