MANILA, Philippines— The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Healthcare Commission reminded the public that smoking within church premises is a form of “disrespect.”
In a statement released Thursday, CBCP Healthcare Commission Executive Secretary Fr. Dan Cancino urged parishes to enforce stricter bans on smoking as they prepare for an influx of visitors during Holy Week. He emphasized that such habits pose significant public health risks.
“These habits pose serious threats to both individuals and the community as a whole, leading to preventable diseases, premature deaths, and immense suffering for families. I hope that all our parishes and communities strictly enforce smoke-free and vape-free policies in accordance with existing laws,” he said.