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 Even an industry lobby group, the Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI),
said it supported the regulation and acknowledged the health
objectives.
President Rodrigo Duterte this week signed an executive order
delayed from last year due to corporate resistance. It sets strict
guidelines on designated smoking areas.
Shares in LT Group Inc, the Philippines' top cigarette maker, fell
as much as 4.4 percent to near one-month low following the news.
The law takes effect 60 days after its publication in a newspaper.
"This is a victory for us," said Maricar Limpin, executive director
of Action on Smoking and Health Philippines. "This (order)
highlights the need to protect the people from the harsh exposure to
second hand smoke."
The order imposes an "absolute ban" in schools, gas stations,
hospitals, "food preparation areas" and stairwells, health officials
said.
It also covers existing bans on the sale, distribution and purchase
of tobacco products to and from minors and restrictions on cigarette
advertisements and promotions.
Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial expressed optimism the ban
would encourage people to quit.
More than a million Filipinos quit smoking between 2010 and 2015,
the biggest ever reduction in the world, she said.
"By 2020, when we do the next survey, we expect almost or even
higher reduction in cigarette prevalence," she told CNN Philippines.
Jojo Primivida, a 48-year-old courier driver and father of six, said
he was ready to quit, aware of the tough regulations and penalties.
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"I know I can do it. I'm a heavy smoker before, but now I smoke only
after meals," he said, puffing a Marlboro at a public area near his
workplace.
Office worker Jobell Lisana said he has been smoking since school
days but was willing to stop.
"Quitting is easier said than done, but I will probably stop because
now there will be fines and penalties."
The PTI lobby group said it agreed with the new rules.
"We have always supported regulation of public smoking as provided
for under the national law including the designation of areas where
smoking is allowed," it said.
The group represents tobacco companies such as Philip Morris
Philippines Manufacturing Inc, Fortune Tobacco Corp, British
American Tobacco, JT International (Philippines) Inc, among others.
(Editing by Martin Petty and Nick Macfie)
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