Fudging the real issue
| FRONTLINE |
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| Ninez Cacho-Olivares |
Does it matter who filed the petition against the ban on smoking — even in sidewalks and open air areas — imposed by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino?
Why should it, when all that should matter is for the court to decide whether or not the ban is legal, because if the law is followed, the areas that MMDA wants to become smoke-free go against that which the law says, and definitely, it is the law, not an MMDA ban, that is superior.
MMDA says it has arrested thousands for violating the ban, but MMDA does not even have that power and authority to arrest anyone, as it should be the police who should, And in this instance, not even the cops should be arresting those who have ignored the ban because precisely, the law covering this subject says these areas which the MMDA arbitrarily claimed to be smoke-free, are a free area for smokers.
So why should an issue be made in questioning who the “real” petitioner is, whether it is a tobacco firm, or just a plain smoker who is asserting his right to smoke freely where the law allows him to smoke?.... MORE
Source: The Daily Tribune
URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110819com2.html
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