The Metro Manila Development Authority is joining the Department of Health in its campaign against the use and sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vaping devices in public places.
Under Administrative Order 2019-0007 signed by Health secretary Francisco Duque III on June 14, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes and vapes will be regulated.
The AO stated that e-cigarettes, including both Electronic Nicotine and Non-nicotine Delivery Systems, are used to deliver aerosolized solutions to the lungs, which is similar to the act of smoking.
MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said his agency recognizes the efforts of the DOH-Food and Drug Administration for the effective regulation of those products as it poses harmful effects to human health.
“I hope that the order will be strictly enforced to support our smoke-free environment campaign,” he said.
Lim assures the public that the MMDA will help in the inspection of vape shops within 100 perimeters of public and private schools in the metropolis.
There is an increasing number of vape shops in Metro Manila. Based on the inspection conducted by MMDA Environmental Enforcers within 100-meter perimeter of schools in Metro Manila, a total of 681 vape stores were found located near schools in 2018.
Based on 2017 reports submitted by Business Permit and Licensing Offices of local government units showed that there are only 73 vape stores registered in Metro Manila.
“The agency is willing to provide technical assistance for LGUs in crafting their respective ordinance on e-cigarettes,” Lim said.
Some of the LGUs that have an existing ordinance on e-cigarettes are city governments of Caloocan, Muntinlupa, Quezon City, Taguig, and Navotas.