Bans vs. smoking, distracted driving

President Rodrigo Duterte signed on May 16 Executive Order No. 26, which imposes a nationwide ban on smoking in public places.
Saying that public health takes precedence over commercial or business interests, Duterte also ordered the creation of a smoke-free task force to help carry out the provisions of the order.
The Department of Health is tasked to draw up the implementing rules and regulations for the Executive Order.
Meanwhile, RA 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act was implemented starting May 18. All motorists are required to pull over if they are using their Waze or GPS devices, cell phones and other gadgets that impede their view of the road.
This is a preventive measure that aims to avoid accidents on the road and promote road safety for drivers, Land Transportation Office Chief Edgar Galvante said. Those caught driving while using gadgets will be apprehended and fined.
Similarly, RA 10666 or the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015, the law banning small children from riding motorcycles, will also be implemented.