Casinos hoped for an exemption
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order that prohibits smoking in public places including casinos. The Independent reports that even tobacco lobbyists in the country have fallen in line to support the ban.
The Philippine Tobacco Institute, which represents tobacco companies such as Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing, Fortune Tobacco, British American Tobacco and JT International, says it supports the regulation and acknowledges the health objectives.
“This is a victory for us,” said Maricar Limpin, executive director of Action on Smoking and Health Philippines. “It highlights the need to protect the people from the harsh exposure to second-hand smoke.”
The order imposes an “absolute ban” in schools, hospitals and other public places. According to Reuters, it comes with a maximum penalty of four months in jail and a fine of 5,000 pesos (US$100).
When the plan was first announced in 2016, casinos appealed to Duterte for an exemption. Kingson Sian, president and CEO of Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., operator of Resorts World Manila, said casinos attract visitors who like to smoke and drink. Last July, he told the Philippine Star, “At the end of the day we’re a law abiding association and we will abide by the law.” The mandate includes both casino gaming floors and entertainment rooms.
