Bacolod City Recalls Anti-Smoking Task Force After Pandemic Hiatus

Bacolod City - Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has reconvened the Bacolod Anti-Smoking Task Force (BASTF) to suspend the implementation of the city's anti-smoking ordinance, which was in effect before the outbreak of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic.

BASTF had previously convened and formed an action group to carry out the regulation, but due to the emergence of the pandemic, the operation was ultimately stopped," said the chairperson of the task force, Bennetts. The vice chairperson, lawmaker Simplicia Distrito, served as the chairperson of the task force.

A copy of administrative order number 34-22, released by the city government on Monday, states that BASTF and new members will continue to implement, strengthen, and oversee the order, while ensuring protection against interference from the tobacco industry.

It will also conduct educational and promotional activities, information dissemination plans, and capacity-building initiatives, to provide voters with information and train law enforcement officials.

As the chairman of the working group, Benitez will oversee the implementation of all anti-smoking regulations, including the regulation of e-cigarettes, and supervise the operations of the enforcement officers and action teams.

The mayor has instructed city administrators to assist in monitoring implementation and enforcement, provide regular status updates, and oversee the destruction of noncompliant cigarette products.

He also tasked city health officials with issuing formal subpoena to law enforcement personnel, assigning a hotline or any other number for reporting violations, and appointing city legal officials to assist in reviewing reports and complaints, and provide any legal aid and regulations related to the matter.

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