Once again, the Department of Health clarified that the smoking ban will start on July 23, not July 15. DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag initially said that the ban would start on the 22nd, only to take it back and correct himself: Executive Order 26 will start the day after.
“The effectivity of EO is 60 days after publication, not after signing. No need for the IRR,” Tayag explained. “The EO on smoking will have to be implemented. Those who fail to comply with will be made as example offenders.”
However, there is till the matter of the IRR or the implementing rules and regulations. To which Tayag said that it did not to be in place for the Executive Order to start. He urged all establishments to put up “No Smoking” signs which should be 8 x 11 inches, with 60% of the sign occupying the space.
According to a report by The Philippine Star, the ban covers “centers of youth activity like playschools, preparatory schools, elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, youth hostels, and recreational facilities for minors; elevators and stairwells; locations where fire hazards are present; within premises of public and private hospitals; and medical, dental, and optical clinics; and food preparation areas.”
For spaces which opt to have a smoking area, they should follow these guidelines:
“Smoking will be allowed in an area of a building or conveyance that is open as well as separate areas with proper ventilation. The EO states that there should be only one designated smoking area per establishment. “
Tayag further explains that designated smoke areas should also come with graphic health warningsdetailing the effects of smoking.
Source: ABS-CBN, Philippine Star