Smoking in government buildings may soon be not worth the risk.

Just recently, a bill calling for the imposition of stiffer penalties for state workers who will be found guilty of breaking the ban on smoking in government offices was filed in the House of Representatives.

House Bill (HB) 6503, filed by Lakas-Kampi-CMD Rep. Nelson Dayanghirang of Davao Oriental, seeks to impose a jail term of up to six months or temporary disqualification from holding public office or both for convicted smokers.

The administration lawmaker said the proposed measure would give more teeth to the government policy banning state personnel from smoking within work premises during office hours. He noted that in 1991, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) issued Memorandum Circular No. 30 that banned smoking in government buildings but permitted smoking in designated areas.

Under the memorandum circular, a first-time violation may draw a written reprimand while subsequent violations could result in dismissal from service.