Use, sale, distribution advertisement of cigarettes soon prohibited in Cagayan de Oro City

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THE City Council committee on health, sanitation and health insurance chaired by Councilor Ma. Lourdes Gaane is mulling the proposed Smoke-free Cagayan de Oro ordinance.

This, after the committee tackled last week the matter and agreed to incorporate therein  relevant provisions culled from the Davao City anti-smoking ordinance.

The proposal will also include provisions on electronic smoking, which is more popularly known as vape.

The proposed ordinance prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products in certain places, imposes penalties for violations and for other purposes.

During the meeting, Councilor Gaane said the proposed smoke-free ordinance is in response to the recommendation from the City Legal Office, City Local Finance Committee, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the City Health Office.

The lady councilor said that anti-electronic smoking rules shall be included in the provisions of the ordinance. However, they will still have to await the recommendation from the Department of Health.

Councilor Gaane said after the committee shall have received the DOH recommendation, it will recommend the approval of the proposed ordinance by the City Council through the committee on laws and rules chaired by Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya.

Councilor Reuben Daba, vice-chair of the committee, was also present during the meeting. (JBD)