Philippine leader imposes strict ban on smoking

Smoking and selling cigarettes will be banned in all enclosed public places in the Philippines under the new measure. - AFP

Manila (AFP) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order that will impose a wide-ranging ban on smoking in public, reinforcing some of the toughest anti-tobacco measures in Asia.

Smoking and selling cigarettes will be banned in all enclosed public places, as well as within 100 metres (330 feet) of schools, parks and other areas where children gather, according to the order published late Thursday and which takes effect in 60 days.