Opinion Polls
By Marichel Teves-Magalona

The city's Anti Smoking ordinance was passed over a year ago… do you think it is being properly implemented? Properly monitored? Why?

DR. JEREMY SAQUIAN
No. Nobody follows because implementors are doers.

RONILO PAMONAG
Right now it isn't, maybe because nobody, except for a few people, give a damn about it.

STELLA ARUNGAYAN
Implemented yes, but not properly monitored. There are still some restos that do not comply. And if caught smoking the management would just alert the smokers to put it off – no sanction!

DR. SUSAN CONDUCTA
It's being implemented in some malls but should have the support of management for it to be successful. The problem is in the sidewalk when one walks around coz there it is not being implemented. Even policemen are smoking. For this ordinance to be successful, everyone should help.

DR. THERESE ROBLES
I guess the smoking ordinance has been there alright. Implementing officers just don't have the political will to do it. Kay sila mismo naga smoke!

RONEL BERNABE
Implemented? Monitored? … Half-baked. Somehow, we can observe that some establishments followed the ordinance. However, smoking in other places such as public utility vehicles is still rampant because the drivers smoke and allow passengers to do the same.

JOY CAÑON
Nope. Guess it's obvious why. You still see a lot of people smoking in public places…

MILDRED NECESSARIO
Just by driving everyday you could notice lots of vihicles especially those coming from out ot town, whenever they'll pass by you can't barely see and makes breathing hard. That's how corrupted is the system! They don't implement it, they manipulate it!

REY CATEQUISTA
Anti Smoking is not properly implemented and monitored because law makers are law breakers and most Ilonggos ignore signage!

MICHAEL GORRICETA
The smoking ordinance is properly implemented up to now but regarding the monitoring, I can't see any visibility of authorities in charge of that.

SUSIE FACULTAD
No. For me a law or any ordinance should exempt no one, but how come we can still see people smoking in public areas? And why are there establishments allowing their guests to smoke in restaurants and discos? If implementation is not properly observed, how much more monitored? Have you heard of anyone or any establishment penalized for violating the ordinance?

PEPE ISADA
The intention of the ordinance is good but I think it is another perfect example of “ningas cogon”.

DR. YULE QUIAMPANG
No, it is not properly implemented and not properly monitored and will never be because our city officials and law enforcing authorities do not have the political will to do so. They themselves are the ones breaking the law.

MANNIE GRUENBERG
A good number of establishments are abiding with the ordinance except for most of the public utility jeep drivers and passengers seem to be oblivious of the existence of such ordinance. A few taxi drivers go around taking a puff here and there. Our law enforcers must take a bolder step to make this ordinance count.

RENETTE UY
Properly implemented? NO, because guidelines are not clear to some sectors and political color is still present in implementing it to certain locations in the city. Properly monitored? ABSOLUTELY NO! Because I still see some people smoke inside PU vehicles, and for those places allowed, exhaust facility is lacking or none at all. But then again I'm not surprised coz the city government can play favorites and allow this places to still operate despite the ordinance. Some even did not improve their exhaust facility at all. Well, same old same old!

ROMMEL QUIAMPANG
Implementation and monitoring of anti smoking is very poor and the #1 violator is Geronimo and his disciples.

JAY CERTEZA
I don't think so. I guess nobody cares anymore.

GEOFF STAMMERS
Yes, I believe the ordinance is working. I have noticed a hardening of attitude against us smokers by my friends who will ask me not to smoke in their presence. This I respect as it is easy to go outside and take a few puffs in the fresh air. More non smokers should express their views to us smokers. I congratulate those restaurants who have created smoking areas they are now getting me as a regular customer.

TINA ARANCILLO
I don't think so. I see a lot of smokers in restaurants and public transports.

YANA OCTAVIANO
Not properly implemented nor monitored. Sure, some establishments implement it. Question is, how intense the implementation is. We could still see people in the streets smoking. Most government officials don't even follow the ordinance.

GOODY ARANCILLO
Nope, it's not! Coz they are not strict enough to enforce it.

PHILIPP MATTHYS
Congrats to Councilor Baronda for having started with her vision. You've done 5%, with 95% to go. We are all willing to give a helping hand.

RONALD VICTORIANO
Not being implemented and monitored properly. Ningas cogon lang. Anyway, the law is anti-business.

MIGUEL CORDOVA
I think it's successful because you don't see people smoking in coffee shops of malls. I feel safer bringing my nephews coz there's no threat of 2nd hand smoke.

EUGENE BORRES-LUCERO
Honestly it was good in the beginning. But the enforcers became lax since they themselves are smoking. It was good while it lasted. Hard to kill a habit when it's part of you.

ROFEL JOHN PARREÑO
Not so especially in public utility vehicles. I think the smokers should be properly penalized. And the penalty should be strictly imposed. It's not just good for the air but for their health as well. And to the commuters who have seatmates who smoke, it would be wise if we remind them nicely not to smoke.

REGGIE AGUILAR
I often see people smoking in public places and vehicles and I don't see them being punished for it. FAILURE