By HAIDEE V. EUGENIO and NAZARIO RODRIGUEZ JR.
haidee_eugenio@saipantribune.com
n_rodriguez@saipantribune.com
REPORTERS
On a 7-0 vote, the Senate passed yesterday a bill banning smoking in all workplaces and public places, a move welcomed by some 40 representatives of health and anti-smoking advocacy groups who waited patiently for almost two hours for the Senate session to start.
Many of the health advocacy groups' members and supporters led by the CNMI Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and the Commonwealth Diabetes Coalition held or posted anti-smoking placards and posters on the Senate chamber's walls to get their message across.
Senate Vice Pres. Felix Mendiola, who was ill, and Sen. Luis Crisostimo (D-Saipan), who was off island, were excused from the session.
All the seven senators present voted yes on House Bill 16-47, HD2, SD1, CCS1 or the “Smoke-free Air Act of 2008.”
The Senate earlier took up the bill but sent it to committee where some amendments were made, and a conference committee was called.
The House of Representatives has to adopt the same conference committee report on the bill and pass it, before the measure could reach the governor's desk for action.
The Fitial administration has yet to issue a statement whether to support or junk the bill if it passes the House.
House Speaker Arnold I. Palacios (R-Saipan), in an interview yesterday, said the lower house is “likely” to pass the bill during a session tentatively set for Tuesday.
Under House Bill 16-47, HD2, SD1, CCS1, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas and outdoor areas within 25 feet of any doorway entrance or exit to a government facility.
It also bans smoking in enclosed areas of public places.
Smoking is also prohibited in enclosed facilities within places of employment or within 25 feet of any person who is not smoking if the place or site of work is an outdoor area or area other than an enclosed area, without exception.
The smoking ban does not apply to bars, private residences, and retail tobacco stores, as well as hotel rooms and private rooms in nursing homes that are designated as smoking.
A person who smokes in a designated no-smoking area faces a penalty not exceeding $50 for a first violation, up to $100 for a second violation, up to $200 for a third and subsequent violation and the completion of a mandatory tobacco prevention and/or cessation course.
Besides members and supporters of the Drug and Substance Abuse Coalition and the Commonwealth Diabetes Coalition, also present at the Senate session were members and personnel of the Community Guidance Center, Ayuda Network, Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research Education and Extension Services, Commonwealth Cancer Association, and the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.
'Less patients at CHC'
In a news briefing, Public Health medical director Richard Brostrom said the passage of the bill banning smoking in workplaces and public areas is expected to significantly reduce the number of patients visiting the Commonwealth Health Center.
He said these types of patients include pediatric, and those with asthma, skin diseases, and heart attack.
Brostrom, as well as John Gonzales, who appeared at yesterday's Senate session, said they were thrilled by the Senate's support, and thanked newly confirmed Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Melvin Faisao for making a strong statement for the legislation.
“This is a big step for public health, a process that started three years ago. We are grateful that it was finally passed,” Brostrom said.
Brostrom said they are confident that this will not hurt business.
He said the most important thing is that there would be fewer people who will get cancer in the CNMI.
Cigarette smoking has been considered as the single most critical risk associated with the leading chronic diseases in the CNMI including cancer, heart disease and emphysema.
George J. Cruz, chairman of the CNMI Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, said if the legislation is enacted into law, the CNMI becomes the last of the many Pacific island nations “to finally pass a smoke-free law, and not just any law, but also a comprehensive law.”
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