Bacolod City Council Urges Strict Enforcement of Anti-Smoking Ordinance, Calls for Reconvening of Task force

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City has approved a resolution requesting Mayor Greg G. Gasataya to strictly implement City Ordinance No. 641, Series of 2013, otherwise known as the “Bacolod Anti-Smoking Regulation Ordinance” as amended, and to convene the Bacolod Anti-Smoking Task Force (BASTF).

The resolution, principally authored by Councilor Atty. Caesar Z. Distrito, and co-authored by Councilors Dindo Ramos, Celia Flor, and Israel Salanga, seeks to strengthen enforcement of anti-smoking laws amid reports of rampant violations in public places and public conveyances, as well as non-compliance of some establishments with requirements on Designated Smoking Areas (DSAs).

City Ordinance No. 641 aligns with Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, and aims to protect public health by regulating smoking in public areas. The City Council emphasized the need for the Task Force not only to implement the ordinance but also to address the proliferation of illegal and non-compliant cigarette products in Bacolod, which deprive the government of excise tax revenues and make tobacco more accessible to the youth.

Councilor Distrito, who was the Vice Chair of the Bacolod Anti-Smoking Task Force from 2016 to 2019 said, “This resolution is a call to action. 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.”

Councilor Ramos emphasized the economic and enforcement angle, saying that Aside from protecting public health, strict enforcement will also curb the spread of illegal cigarette products that deprive the government of much-needed revenues, anf A proactive Task Force can ensure that Bacolod is not only a healthy city but also a law-abiding one.

Councilor Flor, also stressed and said, “We must pair strict enforcement 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 Salanga, also added, that Smoking in prohibited places and non-compliance by some establishments have become too common, and by reconvening the Bacolod Anti-Smoking Task Force, we can restore discipline, monitor compliance, and ensure that the ordinance truly serves its purpose.

The approved resolution reiterates the City Council’s commitment to uphold health and safety in Bacolod City. By urging Mayor Gasataya to reconvene the BASTF, the Council hopes to see a renewed and more effective implementation of the city’s anti-smoking ordinance.* (CZD)