CAMIGUIN (PIA) -- The island province of Camiguin is prioritizing the strict implementation of Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-114, also known as the Camiguin Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of 2020, to control smoking in public places and achieve a cleaner environment.

The provincial tourism office stressed that the anti-smoking rule applies to businesses, public transportation, individuals, and children. It also covers public transportation owners, operators, and managers, as well as smoking in public areas such as basketball courts, streets, and plazas. Additionally, it affects individuals who allow smoking in public areas such as restaurants, bars, resorts, and other public spaces, as well as those who tolerate smoking on public transportation as allowed by the owner, driver, and manager.

“The owner, operator, or manager of the establishments, if they fail to post a ‘no smoking’ sign on their entrances sa atong mga resort, sa atong mga restaurants, if wala nakabutang ang ‘no smoking’ sign, naa tay fines (in resorts, in restaurants, if there is no 'no smoking' sign posted, they will have fines),” said Rojhen Pantallano of the tourism office.

She added that if they fail to remove ashtrays in non-smoking areas, aside from the ‘no smoking’ sign, subsequent fines will be penalized to offenders once the ordinance is violated. Establishments should identify their designated areas.

Business entities or establishments face fines of P2,000 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for the third offense.

For the owner, operator, or manager of public conveyances or transports (motorela, jeepneys, etc.), the first offense starts at P1,000, the second offense is P2,000, and the third offense is P3,000.

“Kung makita ang usa ka tao nga nagsigarilyo in public places, ang iyang first offense is P1,000, second offense is P2,000 plus two months imprisonment, and third offense is P3,000 plus three months imprisonment,” said Noe Palad of the tourism office.

(The first offense is P1,000, the second offense is P2,000 plus two months imprisonment, and the third offense is P3,000 plus three months imprisonment.)

He also explained that for minors, counseling is the first offense, a second offense is P1,000 plus counseling, and a third offense is P2,000 and subject to welfare.

Palad also added that tolerating smoking in public transport by owner or driver and tolerating smoking in public places or public spaces, including resorts, restaurants, bars, etc., come with equivalent fines too. The first offense costs P2,000, the second is P3,000, and the third is P5,000.

Although the policy is currently applicable on the island of Camiguin, the tourism office stated that this small act is making a difference for the environment and its people—aiming for less pollution and more responsible citizens in abiding by ordinances. (MGAB/PIA-10)