Duterte Formally Bans Public Use of E-Cigarettes
DUTERTE – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed an executive order to ban the use of e-cigarettes and vapes in public places.
In 2017, Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has signed an executive order to ban smoking in all public places. During his term as a mayor, Davao City has 100% smoke-free public places such as terminals, parks, bus stations, vehicles, and other places.
After the 16-year-old teen from Central Visayas died of lung injury due vaping, the 74-year-old chief executive ordered to ban the importation of vaping devices and e-cigarettes in the Philippines.
In a previous article, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte explained the reason why he decided to ban vaping not tobacco. He said he just allow them because tobacco is being taxed and regulated.
“Manigarilyo ka, vaping, pareho rin nanigarilyo ka. Sabihin mo sa labas. E ngayon bawal manigarilyo, may batas na yan. Ang hinahabol ko ang nicotine. Anong illegal? G*go ka. P*tang nicotine yan…”
“Kaya sabi ko sa pulis, hulihin ninyo, basta in public. E may nicotine eh. Parang sigarilyo. Edi bawal. Pati yung sa display, ipatanggal na ninyo. Hindi ako papaya,” he added.
Based on a report from ABS-CBN News, the Department of Health (DOH) said there are over a million Pinoys use e-cigarettes. The health department repeatedly called for an outright ban on e-cigarettes.
According to the report, Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order that prohibits vaping in all public places. The EO No. 106 was signed on Wednesday, February 26 but was announced on Friday, February 28.
The EO also prohibits the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors. It should require product registration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Establishments that sell, manufacture and import vaping devices are required to file for a license to operate from the FDA.
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