Philippines president Duterte – the punisher – set to BAN smoking after drugs war
PHILIPPINES President Rodrigo Duterte is launching a war on smoking declaring a nationwide ban.
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is launching a war on smoking declaring a nationwide ban
He intends to stamp out smoking in the country by broadening a ban already imposed in the city where he used to mayor.
"The Punisher", whose 100-day-old drug war already has a body count in the thousands, insists that the habit is harmful to non-smokers as well as those who like a puff, and is looking to nix the habit by month's end.
Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial reported that the draft executive order providing for a smoking-free Philippines is awaiting Duterte’s signature.
"There will be no smoking in public places anymore, whether indoor or outdoor," Mr Ubial said, adding that the national restrictions will follow those set in Duterte's old municipality of Davao.
"Parks, bus stations, and even in vehicles. All these are considered public places."
The secretary did add that the government is working to nut out how the ban will work with regards to vendors and designated smoking areas, though these will likely be few and far between given the apparent definition of "public place".
A victim of the drugs war
"The Punisher's" 100-day-old drug war already has a body count in the thousands
According to the Philippines Star Mr Ubial shrugged when she was asked whether President Duterte was worried about opposition from Big Tobacco.
"It is up to you to oppose. It is already the President you will be fighting against," she said.
Duterte intends to stamp out smoking in the country
Rodrigo Duterte likens himself to Hitler
Since coming to power, the leader has hit the headlines after waging a ruthless war on the country's drug users and pushers, reportedly slaughtering some 3,600 people.
He also told the European Union – "f—k you" – and US President Barack Obama, who he recently described as a "son of a whore".