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City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat has created the Smoke-free Task Force in the city through Executive Order No. 59 series of 2019.

The creation of TF Smoke-Free is in accordance with Republic Act No. 9211 otherwise known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 and City Ordinance No. 249 series of 2018. 

The task force will aid in the implementation, enforcement and monitoring of the Ordinance, and to protect the same from tobacco industry at all times, as well as to conduct educational awareness campaigns, information dissemination programs, and capability building programs that will inform constituents and train enforcement officers. 

Republic Act No. 9211 otherwise known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 prohibits smoking in certain public places, whether enclosed or outdoors, prohibits the purchase and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to and by minors and in certain places frequented by minors; imposes bans and restrictions on advertising, promotion and sponsorship activities of tobacco companies; and directs local government units to implement these provisions.

City Ordinance No. 249 series of 2019, otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Smoke Free Ordinance of the City of Mati”, also prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products and electronic cigarettes in certain places in the City of Mati, imposing penalties for violation thereof and providing funds thereof.

Mayor Michelle chairs the Smoke-free Task Force with City Health Officer Dr. Ben Hur G. Catbagan, Jr. as vice chair.

Other members of the task force are Francis Rey D. Reancho of the Health Education Promotion Office; Engr. Zenaida M. Loon, OIC of the City Engineering Office; Atty. Kareen Silver M. Manluyang of the City Legal Office; Ben Jason O. Tesiorna of the City Information Office; Salve Marie C. Castro, OIC of the Business Permits and Licensing Office; Leony Naduaran, President of the Barangay Health Workers Federation; P/Maj. Bembo L. Aying of the Philippine National Police; Aloma S. Serafin of the City Treasurer; Eddie P. Cobacha of the of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office; Reynaldo M. Guillena, Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education; Sangguniang Panglungsod Member Samuel Rodriguez, President of Liga ng mga Barangay; Ret. P/Lt. Pepe M. Penamante of the City Civil Security Office; Ret. SPO4 Napoleon A. Aguinaldo, OIC of the Traffic Management Office; Virginia T. Almaida of the City Social Welfare and Development Office; Rey P. Oliveros of the Human Resources Management Office; Atty. Alejandro A. Aquino of the City Administrator Office; Sitti Ram Maela J. Pasandaan, Coordinator Non-Communicable Diseases Program.

Here are some details of the Ordinance No. 249 series of 2018 or the “COMPREHENSIVE SMOKE FREE ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MATI”:

DESIGNATED SMOKING AREA: Outdoor space duly approved by the LGU Mati 

  1. Open space outside building with no roof or walls
  2. Not located in or within 10 meters from entrances, exits, or any place where people pass or congregate
  3. It shall not have an area larger than 10sqm
  4. Food or drinks are not served in the designated smoking area
  5. No bldg shall have more than one designated smoking area
  6. Minors or persons below the age of 18 shall not be allowed inside
  7. With signage highly visible and prominently displayed
  8. Shall not be located in places where absolute smoking bans are in effect

PROHIBITED ACTS: 

  1. Selling, distributing, purchasing tobacco products and/or Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) or vape to/from minors
  2. Ordering, instructing or compelling a minor to use, light up, buy, sell, distribute, deliver, advertise, or promote tobacco products and/or ENDS
  3. Selling or distributing tobacco products and/or ENDS in school, public playground, offices of DOH, hospitals and health facilities, government facilities or within 100 meters from any point in the perimeter
  4. Selling tobacco products and/or ENDS as individual pieces or per stick

PENALTIES:

(Smoking or Vaping)

  1. 1st offense and 2nd offense— 1,000
  2. 3rd and subsequent offense— 1,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 1 year or both. Suspension or revocation of business license or permit

(Sales/access restrictions and advertising and promotions ban)

  1. 1st offense — 2,000
  2. 2nd offense — 3,000
  3. 3rd and subsequent offense — 5,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 1 year or both. Suspension or revocation of business license or permit. (CIO MATI)