To ensure the strict implementation of the no-smoking regulations in designated areas, a Quezon City councilor proposed the creation of a task force that will also conduct educational awareness campaigns, information dissemination schemes and capacity-building programs.

Embodied in the proposed “smoke-free’’ ordinance, Councilor Dorothy Delarmente of the city’s First District issued the clarification in response to the opposition of the Morato Business Club (MBC) to her proposal.

MBC adviser Edwin Rodriguez said the group opposes the proposed measure since no public consultation was made on the proposed ordinance, adding they were surprised to find that the proposal was already on third and final reading.

He claimed that since the proposed measure seeks to ban cigarette-smoking, it would totally deprive the people of their right to engage in lawful vices and lifestyles they choose like smoking.

If approved, the proposal could cause huge losses and possible bankruptcy to business establishments and other stakeholders, Rodriguez said.

Delarmente said her proposal was just an amendment of previous city ordinances, adding that regulations against smoking in designated areas are already in existence, referring to City Ordinance Number NC-73, S-89 and Ordinance Number SP 1515 S-2005.

She explained that her proposal mainly seeks to create a smoke-free task force composed of the health officer, health education and promotion officer, legal officer, information officer, building officer, business permit and license officer, health officer of a non-government organization NGO) and a member of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Mounting complaints have reached Quezon City authorities regarding the non-compliance of business establishments like restaurants to designate a non-smoking area to protect non-smokers from secondary smoke which poses health hazards.

Delarmente, who is a medical doctor by profession, said second-hand smoke inhalation is dangerous especially if inhaled by infants and small children.

She disputed Rodriguez’s claim that her proposal seeks to totally ban smoking in public establishments, saying her measures merely seeks stronger enforcement of the no-smoking regulations in non-designated smoking areas.

“Elementary pa ata ako may batas na ng no-smoking sa air-conditioned, enclosed at public conveyance sa Quezon City. Gusto ko lang mapatupad ito dahil nga sa marami ng lumalabag dito,’’ Delarmente said.

She said Rodriguez, who is running for councilor in the city’s Fourth District, should be privy of the Quezon City Council sessions every Mondays.

She maintained that there was no intention to railroad the approval of the proposed measure, saying that it will be a herculean task for the city council to inform every individual of its proposals.

“Baka naman maubos na ang oras namin at di na naming magawa ang mga obligasyon sa konseho kung bawat grupo ng mga negosyante at iba pang mamamayan sa Quezon City ay padadalhan namin ng sulat ukol sa mga pandinig at usapin sa council, ’’ Delarmente said.