Republic Act 9211: The Smoking Ban

I wasnt aware till recently that a sens ban was existence enforced not only in Makati (as everyone gener solelyy knows), but nationwide. The res publica typify 9211, also known as the Tobacco Regulation acquit of 2003, was signed into constabulary last June 2003 to be in sync with the World Health Organizations Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The purpose of this act is to protect citizens from the hazards of tobacco plant smoke, to regulate all tobacco advertisements and sponsorship, to promote a healthful environment, and to assist Filipino tobacco farmers in cultivating alternative agricultural crops to prevent economic dislocation.The Republic Act of 9211 is an excellent law be produce it doesnt strip the citizens, smokers or non-smokers alike, from their own thought rights. In section 5 of this act, the bill states that smoking is prohibited in all public moves. This is good because it protects non-smokers from second hand smoking, which is known to cause lung c ancer and is very hazardous for the health. This way the health of the non-smoker isnt unnatural in any way.The public places where they implement this law are moderately appropriate too like in hospitals/clinics/ health centers /nursing homes because it prevents sickish people to get even sicker in restaurants and conference halls because it allows people to hold in room to breath in and not die from smoke asphyxiation in centers of youth activity like schools because it helps children develop strong and brawny lungs. However, there are smokers who complain round this smoking ban being harsh and that strips their right to smoke.After all, it is their own body that would be bear on anyway. The thing is, their right isnt being stripped at all. The authorities isnt banning them from smoking at all. In section 6 of the bill, it states that all enclosed places that are open to the general public, the owner or administrator of such(prenominal) places should establish smoking area s. This means that smokers can tacit smoke whenever they want but only at specific places so that they wont affect the health of others. Smokers have been treated for so long as the minority.We cant even complain to smokers in the same table or in the same room because we have in mind that that is rude when in truth, its the smoker who is discourteous and inconsiderate. This act teaches smokers to be more responsible of their actions and be more considerate of others. It is also pen that it is unlawful for minors to purchase cigarettes and for cigarettes to be to them (found in section 9). This channelize doesnt need much explaining. We all know that persons under the board of 18 shouldnt smoke.Since their lungs are still developing, if they smoke, their lungs leave grow weaker and it would be difficult for them to breath. Moreover, studies show that people who trigger off smoking under the advance of 18 are more likely to get addicted to smoking and it is harder for them t o stop. Health warnings should be written in packaging of tobacco products (found in section 13). This law is important because at least the government already gave a word of caution towards the smokers that smoking is bad for their health.This allows the smoker to echo on their actions and consider the feelings of his family and friends regarding his harmful habit. If these smokers dont listen and continue, therefore that is their own problem already. If anything happens to them, they cant blame anyone but themselves. decent now the Ateneo de Manila University are destroying all smoket or smoking areas turn up around campus. Without these smokets, there wont be a place for smokers to take a huff. I think that the school implemented such a rule in order to prevent students from smoking and start living healthy.However, I think that this action leave alone result to a completely different outcome. Without a place to smoke, the students and teachers would become more stimulate a nd irritated. They wont be able to concentrate in classify and this would disrupt their process of learning. Smokers are forced to leave campus, just so that they could smoke outside the school. If this happens, there is a high possibility that smokers will come late for class or even cut the stainless period. Smoking was never a problem for the school at the primary place.Smokets are located far from classrooms so it would be impossible for non-smoking students to inhale the smoke. The action that the school is taking is completely opposite to that of the Republic Act 9211. Sure they are trying to protect the rights of the ordinary students, but what about the smokers? Their right is smoked is being stripped off and I wouldnt be surprised if a movement that goes against this newly implemented law starts. The implementation of smoking bans has been weak. There are still a plug of places that are not strict in implementation. Nothing much is hear in the tri-media since 2003.And if you go around Manila and the provinces, you would still see a lot people smoking in the prohibited places mentioned. Cities and municipalities that have initiated or intensified anti-smoking campaigns are usually met with strong opposition from the business and the touristry sectors. These sectors say that the ban can drive away tourists and their customers and decrease their income. The Republic Act 9211 may be an excellent law but without estimable political will and dedication to have this law properly followed and enforced, it will remain excellent in paper only.