HARDLINE Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has totally banned public smoking on the island nation.

Mr Duterte - known as the 'The Punisher' - had already stubbed out smoking in Davao where he used to be mayor and now he has taken the controversial ban nationwide.

3 Smoking is to be banned in all public places Credit: Getty Images

3 Mr Duterte had already stubbed out smoking in his home town Credit: Reuters

"There will be no smoking in public places anymore, whether indoor or outdoor," Philippines Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said.

"Parks, bus stations, and even in vehicles. All these are considered public places."

It is expected the ban will be phased in over the next month.

She said e-cigarettes will be included in the ban because they also produce smoke.

Ubial said the government believes there is no reason for smokers and tobacco companies to oppose the ban.

Related Stories DEADLY SPICE Shocking picture of girl, 15, left fighting for life in hospital after smoking former legal high to ‘look cool’ TIME TO QUIT This is what happens to your body just 20 minutes after you quit smoking 'THEY COULD OVERWHELM US' Health problems linked to smoking, booze and bad diet cost NHS £11billion I've been Ad Emmanuel Adebayor denies smoking a cigarette or drinking during meeting over failed Lyon move HOW SMOKING KILLS Smoking 'leaves a footprint on your DNA, altering 7,000 genes linked to cancer and heart disease'

"I don't see any reason why they will oppose that," she told the AP.

"We're not stopping them from smoking, we are just telling them not to smoke around non-smokers."

Those caught smoking in public will be issued with the ticket and will be given the option to either contest the violation in court or voluntarily pay the penalty of 500 peso fine (£10).

Repeat offenders must undergo smoking cessation counselling. Failure to undergo counselling will land the offender in court.

All establishments caught violating the ban will be fined a maximum of 5,000 peso (£100) or face four months imprisonment.

Some 3,600 people have been killed since Duterte came to power at the end of June after the president waged a ruthless war on the country's drug users and pushers, with many left dying in the streets.

3 Thousands have been killed since Duterte came to power at the end of June Credit: Reuters

President Duterte yesterday lashed out at Catholic priests for criticising his war on drugs, singling out a retired archbishop from his home city of Davao.

Speaking to police personnel in Zamboanga City, Duterte said he does not accept the criticisms of priests and bishops about his war on drugs, stressing that it is his duty to stamp out the narcotics trade in the Philippines.

“I’m really appalled by so many groups and individuals, including priests and bishops, complaining about the number of persons killed in the operation against the drug problem,” Duterte said.