SEN. JV EJERCITO ON THE PRESIDENT'S SIGNING OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 26 - NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN IN ALL PUBLIC PLACES

Davao City's smoking ban has been proven to be effective, and I earnestly hope that Executive Order No. 26 would be enforced effectively as well nationwide.

The Department of Health has cited smoking as a risk factor that accounts for more than 85% of lung cancer deaths. Lung cancer is also the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines. With Davao City as primary example of a smoke-free city, it is just incumbent for President Rodrigo Duterte to act on this through a nationwide smoking ban in all public places.

As Senate Health Committee Chair, I am calling on the Department of Health to initiate an intensive media campaign -- TV, radio, print, social media, and other information drives -- as E.O. No. 26 takes effect to make enforcement less challenging.