In one of the sessions I attended last week (during the 36th PCP Convention), the problem of 'cancer epidemic' was discussed. Lung cancer and breast cancer were two of the most frequently mentioned type of cancers, and the speaker lamented that a significant curbing of the epidemic can be possible only if the authorities concerned will enforce R.A. 9211.
Republic Act 9211 (R.A. 9211) is also known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. It was signed into law last June 2003 to be in sync with the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC). Honestly, and please forgive my ignorance (the law is my friend Sassy's forte), I did not know such a law existed. I heard before there was a no-smoking rule in Makati City; I did not know it was supposed to be a no-smoking rule nationwide!
Why? Because my eyes and experience tell otherwise.
In order to promote a so-called "healthful environment," as it mentions on Section 3 of its full text, it specifically prohibits smoking in public places like schools, elevators, staircases, hospitals, airports, ship terminals, train stations, public transports, and restaurants. Smoking in said areas is permitted only in sections designated as smoking areas. Penalties (section 32 of the law) depend on how frequent the offense is made and ranges from monetary fines (P500 to P10,000) to cancellation of business permits.
How many have been caught and penalized? How many business permits have been cancelled since this law was signed?
Nothing much is heard in the tri-media since 2003. And if you go around Manila and the provinces, you would still see a lot people smoking in the prohibited places mentioned. No one treats this law seriously. Policemen smoke. Soldiers smoke. News reporters and the news editors smoke. Lawyers and judges smoke. Drivers smoke. Office employees smoke. Showbiz personalities smoke. Politicians smoke. Former presidents smoke. Heck, even doctors and nurses smoke! Tell me, who is left to enforce this law?
Recently, there is news that "nicotine and carcinogenic compounds have been found in babies as young as three months," proving that their exposure to secondhand smoke either from parents or any person around them can be harmful. Will this alarm smokers? Probably. But will it stop them from smoking?
Let's not forget that smoking is an addiction. It will take serious political will and dedication to have this law properly followed and enforced. And if everyone smokes and is addicted to it, R.A. 9211 is certainly an excellent law on paper only.
___________________
Sorry for the long absence.
A man's work is never done.
7 reactions:
Why, am equally surprised that we have such law! I thought only the UK has imposed such laws earlier this year, to the mumblings of her citizens. It's appalling that people take no heed, what with its implication to health and the environment.
According to an article, lung cancer patients who have never smoke have
better survival rates and respond better to chemotherapy.
If the government is serious in implementing this, they should start in their very own offices. Policemen themselves are like chimneys. Smoking is an everyday occurence in public.
Moreover, I think people blatantly ignored RA 211 due to weak implementation. The government should think of ways on how to penalise people. It is to get away with monetary fines. How about a week in jail? Duration varies on the frequency of offense made. With that, they have a police record now.
My thoughts. Welcome back doc! Thought for a while, Mr. Uribe pinned you down. :)
Bayi, Subic used to be a military base. It's run that way. One can't simply enter without due clearance.
That's true Bayi. Sometimes you need a strong hand to handle people. I admire what Lee Kwan Yew had done to the tiny island state, though sometimes criticized. There are times you need an iron hand. From chewing gum, press and the internet which is regulated, still they are very progressive. There's a need to discipline people.
There are times it's sad when unconsciously one will compare the state we are in to other countries.
IPANEMA: *LOL* No, Mr Uribe didn't "pin me down."
Other than blaming the government (we've been doing that for years to no avail), I think people (read:smokers) should do their part also. But in our land where a simple traffic sign like NO LEFT TURN is ignored, I think NO SMOKING has a long, long way to go. In my assessment, the only thing that will work here is banning cigarette sales.
BAYI: Yes...tougher laws for tough law-breakers might do the trick. But NO SMOKING is a tricky law because most of the law enforcers smoke, too.
MIGUEL: "When people know better, they do better."
...except in the Philippines, Miguel.
:)
There had been attempts to curb/ban sales of cigarettes in the past but to no avail.
Are you familiar with Aurora Tabako? That ubiquitous cigarettee of women stuffed backwards in their mouth ages ago, circa Sampaguita pictures? :) I'm not sure but old women used to say, it's better than the cigarettes we have now. Stronger. Ever wonder why the lighted side is in the mouth and they never burn their tongues? :)
Yes.. I'm also very much surprised we have such law enacted here ebcause lots of people everywhere at all times are smoking! All i can say is that smokers are stupid! I hate to smell cigars coz right there and then, my nose discharges. Hahaha.. I'm allergic to it! Smoking should be banned but I think this is really to no avail. Almost all Law enforcers are smoking, even nurses and doctors!
there's now an online petition for graphic health warnings on cigarette packs. RA 9211 may be just paper but the subsequently ratified FCTC should serve to be a backing force to RA 9211. Not all hope is lost for our country. What we do need is for people to help support and enforce this. There are now several lawsuits against violators of the outdoor ad ban of RA9211. So movement is slow, but the law is slowly changing into something alive and not just mere paper. To move further we need everyone to help.
Sign the online petition. http://www.petitiononline.com/ghwphil/
Post a Comment