Gaane-led committee probes cigarette sale, use

The City Council committee on health, nutrition, and health insurance chaired by Councilor Paolo Nicolo Gaane tackled the proposed ordinance regulating the use, sale, and distribution of cigarettes in certain places.

One of the highlights of the discussion was the provision on prohibited acts, particularly the use of the term “any public places” and its implications to existing national regulations on tobacco products.

Atty. Cancio M. Guibone, Jr. of Tobacco industry, who advised the committee on the alignment of the local ordinance with the existing national law, pointed out that under the national law, the sale of tobacco products is prohibited within 100 meters of school, public playground, or other facility frequented by minors, but not specified “public places.”

Meanwhile, Atty. Jose Edgardo “Egay” Uy, chair of Regulatory Compliance Board (RCB), argued that the national law provides for an absolute prohibition in specified areas, while the proposed city ordinance seeks to expand the regulation by covering additional public places within the city.

For her part, Atty. Cher Raya Kylene T. Madrid of City Legal Office, suggested to reviewing Section 4 of the proposed ordinance on the definition of terms, particularly the meaning of the word “public place.”

The discussion focused on ensuring that the proposed local measure is clearly worded and properly aligned with existing national laws while addressing the city’s public health concerns.

The committee will continue its review of the proposed ordinance, particularly the definition and coverage of prohibited places, and other recommendations from different agencies that will be incorporated in the proposed ordinance, before advancing the measure for further legislative action. (JBD/SP)