Smoking in Public Transport

I really hate to see people smoking in a public transports especially when it is the driver. They don’t think about passengers who are really most affected by the second hand smoke. They just don’t have the nerve to be ashamed as some can really be shameless persons.

My son Kyle also mentioned to me that every time he sees a person having cigarette, that person is bad because he is having cigarettes. Hopefully those in authority will really impose a penalty if caught smoking in a public transportation.

The law said in Republic Act No. 9211 June 23, 2003 in Section 5. Smoking in Public Places - Smoking shall be absolutely prohibited in the following public places:

a. Centers of youth activity such as playschools, preparatory schools, elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, youth hostels, and recreational facilities for persons under eighteen (18) years old;

b. Elevator and stairwells;

c. Location in which fire hazards are present, including gas stations and storage areas for flammable liquids, gas, explosives or combustible materials;

d. Within the buildings and premises of public and private hospitals. Medical, dental, and optical clinics, health centers, nursing homes, dispensaries and laboratories;

e. Public conveyance and public facilities including airport and ship terminals and train and bus stations, restaurant and conference halls, except for separate smoking areas; and

f. Food preparation areas.

Section 32. Penalties - The following penalties shall apply:

a. Violation of Sections 5 and 6. - On the first offense, a fine of not less than Five Hundred Pesos (Php500.00) but not more than One Thousand (Php1,000.00) shall be imposed.

On the second offense, a fine of not less than One Thousand Pesos (Php1,000.00) but not more than Five Thousand Pesos (Php5,000.00) shall be imposed.

On the third offense, in addition to a fine of not less than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) but not more than Ten Thousand pesos (Php10,000.00), the business permits and licenses to operate shall be cancelled or revoked.

How I wish those drivers as well as the riding public will be informed and educated about this. We hope that they don’t wait till they have a try on a spirometers if their lungs are still functioning well. And consider the amount of money to be spent if they are already having their lung-related problems someday.