LTFRB reiterates ban on smoking in PUVs

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), heeding the directive of the Department of Health (DOH), has reiterated its ban on smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes in public utility vehicles (PUVs) amid reports of exploding vaping devices.

In an advisory issued on Monday, the LTFRB said it was firm on enforcing Memorandum Circular No. 2009-036, which required all holders of certificates of public convenience to observe the smoking prohibition pursuant to Republic Act 9211.

Violators can be fined from P2,000 (first offense) to P5,000 on top of the cancellation of their franchise. While the memorandum did not specifically identify e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs), the LTFRB said it was also denouncing the use of such devices in PUVs.

E-cigarettes and HTPs are currently being sold in the market as alternatives to traditional cigarettes.

The agency’s renewed commitment to ban smoking comes as the three-month transitory period for e-cigarette makers to comply with the DOH and the Food and Drug Administration new standards for electronic smoking devices lapses on Thursday. —Krixia Subingsubing