BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has urged the City Mayor’s Office to reconvene the Bacolod Anti-Smoking Task Force (BASTF) to ensure the strict enforcement of City Ordinance (CO) No. 641, Series of 2013, or the anti-smoking regulation ordinance.
The SP recently approved a resolution authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito requesting Mayor Greg Gasataya to convene the task force and strictly implement the ordinance, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of Bacolodnons.
The measure seeks to strengthen the enforcement of anti-smoking laws amid reports of rampant violations in public places public conveyances, as well as non-compliance of certain establishments with the requirements for Designated Smoking Areas (DSAs).
CO 641, which aligns with Republic Act 9211, or the “Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003,” aims to protect public health by regulating smoking in public areas.
The SP also underscored the importance of the task force in addressing the proliferation of illegal and non-compliant cigarette products in the city. Such products not only deprive the government of excise tax revenues but also make tobacco more accessible to the youth.
“This resolution is a call to action,” Distrito said. “While we already have a strong anti-smoking ordinance, its effectiveness depends on strict implementation. During my term as chair of the task force from 2016 to 2019, we saw how consistent monitoring and enforcement can bring real results. We owe it to our people, especially the youth, to protect them from the harmful effects of tobacco and ensure that our public spaces remain safe and smoke-free.”
For his part, Councilor Dindo Ramos highlighted the economic and enforcement aspects, noting that strict implementation would not only protect public health but also curb the spread of illegal cigarette products.
“A proactive task force can ensure that Bacolod is not only a healthy city but also a law-abiding one,” he said.
Councilor Celia Flor emphasized the importance of education alongside enforcement: “We must pair strict implementation with public education. Through campaigns and information drives, we can raise awareness and encourage responsible behavior. This is about building a healthier Bacolod for future generations.”
Councilor Israel Salanga likewise noted the prevalence of smoking violations.
“Smoking in prohibited places and non-compliance by some establishments have become too common. By reconvening the Bacolod Anti-Smoking Task Force, we can restore discipline, monitor compliance, and ensure that the ordinance truly serves its purpose,” he said./PN
