KE supports Provincial Ordinance 02-005

“An Ordinance Amending Provincial Ordinance No. 4, Series of 1995 As Amended by Provincial Ordinance No. 02-005 for The Regulation of Smoking in Public Places, Including Public Conveyances, Advertisements, Promotions and Sponsorships of Tobacco Products, And Providing Penalties Therefore, In Accordance With The Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 and Its Implementing Rules,” was finally publicly heard last November 3, 2010 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Hall, Capitol Site, Kalibo, Aklan. The Public Hearing was convened by SP Committee on Laws, Rules and Ordinances and SP Committee on Health and Social Services.

Alas! My hats-off to Hon. Selwyn C. Ibarreta, for sponsoring the said Provincial Ordinance that has been piling under their desk. It is never too late to learn our lessons. There is always room for improvement. It’s never too late to implement the law.

Pity, I still remember giving my personal position letter to the Office of the Governor, Congressman and Vice-Governor in 2007. Again in 2008, right after Typhoon Frank, another three separate folders were given to the same offices, but to no avail. I felt disappointed then, but never stopped fighting on. Though, I felt that it was purposely ignored. Why? Because, most often than not, the law maker are also the law breaker. People behind their desk have been smoking even inside their offices that even the notice of NO SMOKING is just right in front of their faces, or they simply ignored the notice? Or because, they are afraid to offend their fellow law maker, or is it ignorance of the law? As my favorite saying, “they know how to read, but they don’t know how to understand”. I wish they could then stopped making laws when it is only “Ningas Kugon”, as PNP Officer Nacion said during his position in the hearing and on what and how will be the contribution of the PNP in apprehending law breaker.

Members of the Academe (DepEd Aklan) and non-civic organizations like the Kool Earth, Aklan Medical Society, Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs and Toastmasters International expressed their strong support to the implementation of the law, the soonest possible time. Even most of the town’s Mayors and Vice-Mayors have likewise supported the law and besides, are already implementing it at their own backyard. However, the question is, “Will this law finally become the cutting edge between drafting the law and implementing the law on the other hand?”

There were many apprehensions of some public officials on some detailed word/s on the ordinances, but the bottomline is that, we are to implement the law, whether you like or not. People will resist to change, but it is always the case. It is how the implementer of the law will become true to their words that they are indeed worthy of their position as law maker.

We have the right to breathe clean air, for life is good and precious. Indeed, we strongly support Provincial Ordinance No. 02-005 in accordance with the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. We also want you to be a RESPONSIBLE LAW MAKER of this community by not only amending this code, but to make sure that this law is implemented.

Note: Pictures shows the turn over of NO SELLING OF CIGARETTE SMOKE TO MINOR sticker from Embrace Foundation (Manila) who supports RA 9211 represented by Atty. Wynet Zaragoza to Rotary Club of Roxas representative PP Megs Lunn, Aklan Medical Society Pres. Dr. Oscar Hilario and Kool Earth Pres. Chita Dela Cruz-Heap and its members.