Iloilo City sees increasing punishment for smokers.

Nov.23.2022
Iloilo City sees increasing punishment for smokers.
The ban on cigarette and e-cigarette smoking in Iloilo City is being more strictly enforced, with increasing penalties.

Source: The ban on smoking special working group in Iloilo City (ICAST) The Executive Director of ICAST, Iñigo Garingalao, stated in an interview on Monday that the enforcement of the city's anti-smoking laws currently suggests an increasing level of punishment for both traditional cigarette and e-cigarette users.


In the realm of e-cigarettes, from May to October of this year, the Philippine National Police and ICAST personnel have apprehended 433 violators and issued fines, compared to only 98 violators during the same period last year.


From May to October this year, 5,258 people were caught violating regulations related to traditional cigarettes, compared to 3,933 during the same period last year.


According to Garingalao, while people of all ages still use traditional cigarettes, the age group typically addicted to using e-cigarettes is between 18 and 28 years old.


At this age range, they are not very fond of traditional cigarettes. Therefore, electronic cigarettes are becoming fashionable and another way to inhale nicotine. They are walking the path towards becoming smokers," he said.


By the age of 50, if affected by this vice, they will no longer be productive.


Garingalao said that due to limited personnel at ICAST, the anti-smoking campaign should receive support at the town level.


Individuals found violating the smoking/betel nut chewing ordinance in the city will be fined Php1500 for the first offense, Php2000 for the second offense, and a fine of USD5000 for the third offense and subsequent violations.


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