A coalition of local government units (LGUs) has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.to prioritize the certification of House Bill No.9603, a proposed measure to ban smoking and vaping in public places and workplaces.The bill, part of the 'Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill,' aims to establish a nationwide standard by amending existing laws.

The coalition, known as LGUs for SFVF, emphasized that the measure would protect vulnerable groups like children, youth, and unborn babies from secondhand smoke and vape emissions.

The proposed law includes six key provisions: eliminating indoor smoking/vaping areas, expanding smoke-free zones, allocating local health funding for tobacco control, incentivizing effective implementation, creating enforcement task forces, and imposing stricter penalties for violations.Governors and mayors, including Iloilo's Arthur Defensor Jr.and Quezon City's Joy Belmonte, supported the bill, highlighting the need for a national law to strengthen local efforts.Despite existing ordinances, the coalition noted millions of Filipinos remain exposed to harmful emissions in workplaces and public spaces.The bill seeks to harmonize restrictions across public areas and workplaces to better safeguard public health, particularly among young people.