ILOILO City – To ramp up the city’s commitment to a smoke-free environment, Mayor Raisa Treñas has signed Executive Order No. 010, Series of 2025, which reconstitutes and strengthens the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Taskforce (ICAST).
The executive order gives ICAST agents enhanced powers to enforce the city’s strict anti-smoking laws more effectively.
The initiative comes amid concerning statistics revealing that over 4,200 individuals were apprehended for smoking-related violations in the first half of 2025 alone.
Deputized ICAST agents now have the authority to issue citation tickets, conduct surprise checks, and apprehend violators in public areas, businesses, schools, terminals, and government offices.
Data from the Iloilo City Government shows a breakdown of violations as follows:
* 3,867 civilians caught smoking in prohibited areas
* 200 students found smoking in public spaces
* 164 drivers apprehended for violating the ordinance
* 15 minors caught smoking
Among the substances used, 3,598 individuals were smoking cigarettes, while 633 were using e-cigarettes or vapes.
Notably, ICAST agents apprehended 3,121 violators, while the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) took action against 1,110.
Fifteen establishments were also penalized for failing to comply with the city’s smoke-free policies.
Mayor Treñas stressed the need for stronger enforcement as violations remain persistently high despite ongoing efforts.
“The figures show that while enforcement is ongoing, the number of violations remains high. This is why we need to further strengthen ICAST so we can effectively implement our laws and ordinances,” she said.
With the new executive order, ICAST has been reactivated and reorganized, bringing together various city departments and stakeholders for a more coordinated enforcement approach.
Mayor Treñas appealed to the public to show respect and support for ICAST personnel as they enforce the anti-smoking laws.
“As your mayor, I want to protect the public from the risks of passive smoking, especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable sectors,” she added.
The reconstitution of ICAST marks a crucial step in sustaining Iloilo City’s position as a national leader in smoke-free initiatives. While the city has already received recognition for its efforts, the mayor emphasized that more work is required to protect public health and ensure the safety of all residents./PN
