MMDA eyes 'ashtrays' along major thoroughfares

When it starts strictly implementing an anti-smoking campaign in the metropolis, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority expects to designate smoking areas with makeshift ashtrays along major thoroughfares. In a radio interview, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino hinted the makeshift "ashtrays" will resemble metal water drums and be filled with sand, will be in place once the campaign starts Friday, July 1. "Magde-designate kami ng smoking area doon sa kahabaan ng EDSA, makakakita kayo diyan ng smoking area. Ang hitsura nito ay yung nilagareng drum na may laman, yung hinati po. May buhangin sa loob at yan ang magsisilbing ashtray, parang ashtray. So doon pwede manigarilyo kahit na sa bangketa yan basta nakakita ng ganoon," Tolentino said in an interview on dzRH radio. (We will designate smoking areas along main thoroughfares like Epifanio delos Santos Avenue. There will be makeshift ashtrays that look like sawed-off metal water drums filled with sand. These will serve as ashtrays. People can smoke in areas where these makeshift ashtrays are present.) But this early, he appealed to smokers not to use these "ashtrays" as trash cans, lest the trash catch fire when thrown into a container with smoldering cigarette butts. The MMDA will start implementing on July 1 an anti-smoking law, with violators being fined P500 or being obligated to render eight hours of community service on the first offense. Succeeding offenses will mean higher fines. Earlier, Tolentino said the public places where smoking is banned include public utility vehicles, terminals, jeeps, tricycles, schools, hospitals, bars and restaurants. He also stressed that smoking will not be tolerated in the streets and in areas where food is being prepared. Tolentino reminded commuters that waiting sheds are considered no-smoking areas, although he said they will designate smoking areas at a safe distance from such sheds. "Bawal doon dahil sakayan yan. Ang gagawin namin diyan maglalayo kami sa waiting shed ng ilang metro ng nilagareng drum, gagawing ashtray (Waiting sheds are considered no-smoking areas because that is where people wait for public transport. What we will do is place the makeshift ashtrays a few meters from the sheds)," he said. No part for traffic enforcers Tolentino said MMDA traffic enforcers will not do the apprehending, as there will be environmental officers who will accost smokers and issue them tickets. Offenders are to pay the fines at the MMDA offices, or at the local city hall if they are accosted by environmental officers from the local government. Also, he assured the community service – the alternative to paying fines - will not be degrading. "Kung sakaling balewalain pwede silang kasuhan at kung kasuhan di sila makakakuha ng NBI clearance kung may balak mag-abroad (If they ignore the ticket, they will risk being charged and they will have problems getting clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation if they plan to go abroad)," he said. — RSJ, GMA News