Bacolod council urges strict anti-smoking enforcement

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — A Bacolod lawmaker is calling for the strict implementation of the city’s anti-smoking ordinance to curb widespread violations and protect public health.

Bacolod City Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito said Tuesday that the Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved a resolution requesting Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez to strictly enforce City Ordinance No. 641, Series of 2013, also known as the “Bacolod Anti-Smoking Regulation Ordinance,” and to reconvene the Bacolod Anti-Smoking Task Force (BASTF).

The resolution, principally authored by Distrito and co-authored by Councilors Dindo Ramos, Celia Flor, and Israel Salanga, aims to strengthen enforcement amid reports of rampant smoking in public places and transport vehicles, as well as non-compliance by several establishments with Designated Smoking Area (DSA) requirements.

City Ordinance No. 641 aligns with Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, and seeks to protect public health by regulating smoking in public areas.

The City Council emphasized that the Task Force must not only enforce the ordinance but also address the presence of illegal and non-compliant cigarette products in Bacolod that evade excise taxes and increase tobacco accessibility to minors.

Distrito, who served as 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, 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,” he added.

Councilor Ramos highlighted the revenue and enforcement aspects of the ordinance, saying, “Aside from protecting public health, strict enforcement will also curb the spread of illegal cigarette products that deprive the government of much-needed revenues.”

“A proactive Task Force can ensure that Bacolod is not only a healthy city but also a law-abiding one,” Ramos said.

Councilor Flor emphasized the importance of public awareness, stating, “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 echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that violations have become common and need to be addressed immediately.

“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,” Salanga said.

The approved resolution reaffirms the City Council’s commitment to public health and safety by urging Mayor Benitez to reconvene the Task Force and ensure renewed, consistent enforcement of the city’s anti-smoking policy.