Baguio: The Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force has recommended the closure of 41 establishments, including a funeral home, due to violations of the city's smoke-free ordinance. Dr. Donnabel Panes, the smoke-free program manager, announced during the Kapihan sa DOH forum that these establishments were identified as repeat offenders, each having more than three recorded violations.

According to Philippines News Agency, the list of establishments includes 21 night restaurants and bars, nine convenience stores, five restaurant-caf©s, three dry goods stores, two entertainment centers, and a memorial chapel. Both smoking and vaping are prohibited under the city's ordinance and treated equally in terms of enforcement.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong has instructed the task force to intensify efforts against vaping, especially with the commencement of classes in the city. The city's 16 health centers and the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center have been appointed as smoking-cessation clinics to assist those seeking to quit smoking.

Magalong, who leads the Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force, has previously stated that he has directed the Permit and Licensing Division to take necessary actions against these establishments, including implementing closure procedures as per the ordinance. Ordinance 34-2017 restricts the use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products in public places, enclosed spaces, public utility vehicles, streets, accommodation establishments, entertainment venues, and within 100 meters of parks, schools, and churches.

The ordinance imposes fines of PHP1,000, PHP2,000, or PHP3,000 for first to third offenses, potentially including up to three months' imprisonment and community service at the court's discretion. Establishments failing to enforce the ordinance or repeatedly allowing violations may face fines up to PHP5,000 and risk having their business permits revoked.

The mayor emphasized that strict enforcement of the ordinance is part of the local government's commitment to promoting public health and ensuring a healthy environment for both residents and visitors.