MMDA starts making ‘arrests’ in anti-smoking drive

After a one-month grace period, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) finally started implementing Friday its drive against smoking in public places. MMDA teams on Friday morning "arrested" several people caught still puffing away in various areas, even as the offenders insisted they were not aware of the anti-smoking drive. In Quezon City, radio dzBB’s Allan Gatus reported at least eight smokers were initially arrested in the Cubao area for smoking in public places. The report said MMDA teams carried signs indicating the fines that await smokers. "Hindi ko alam eh (I did not know of the anti-smoking drive)," said a man caught by MMDA teams in the Farmers’ Market area in Cubao district in Quezon City.

In northern Metro Manila, dzBB’s Manny Vargas reported that MMDA teams started making the rounds of public places to catch smokers. The report said some hardheaded smokers continued to puff away but quickly put out their cigarettes when they were told an MMDA team was coming. But before dawn Friday, many smokers – including drivers and conductors of public utility vehicles – were seen smoking near transport terminals in Quezon City. A policeman was seen smoking in the Quezon City Police District Station 10, dzBB reported. Even some taxi drivers were seen puffing away under the EDSA-Kamuning flyover while waiting for passengers, it added. The report said many of the smokers claimed they were not aware the MMDA was to start implementing an anti-smoking law, with violators facing a P500 fine or eight hours of community service on the first offense. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said 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. — RSJ, GMA News