Talisay City Councilor Randy Ereñeta recently pushed for the passage of the Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinance, in accordance with the executive order by President Rodrigo Duterte banning smoking in all public places. He also plans on conducting public hearings on the impact of the smoking ban.

“I am appealing for the cooperation of the good people of Talisay City, we can exercise our freedom to smoke in our private homes but not in public places,” he implored. “Let us respect each other in such a way that we do not also cause harm, so to speak, to our fellow Talisaynon.”

Through the public hearings, the city councilor said he hopes to reach a “positive consensus” in terms of smoking ban penalties.

“I am open to some revisions to the ordinance,” Ereñeta said.

According to the executive order, fines ranging from P500 to P10,000 await those caught smoking in public./WDJ