MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is turning to another battle aside from illegal drugs: smoking. Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said Tuesday she hopes the president can sign the draft executive order banning smoking in public nationwide before the end of the month. Designated smoking areas are to be outdoors and away from the public, and provinces and towns will be asked to issue ordinances to enforce the smoking ban and set penalties. “There will be no smoking in public places anymore, whether indoor or outdoor,” Ubial earlier told reporters. Many have wondered if Duterte would also expand a Davao ban on powerful firecrackers during New Year’s Eve revelry.

Source: New Strait Times October 11, 2016 10:52 UTC