MMDA supports ban on vape; says it promotes public health

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has backed President Rodrigo Duterte’s ban on the importation of vaping products or e-cigarettes as well as its use in public places.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said the public should follow the President’s order since it is good for everyone’s health.

“I agree with the statement of the President that vaping poses harmful effects to human health. Hence, I support the regulation of vaping for the sake of the general public,” Lim said in a statement.

Lim assured that MMDA will help promote anti-smoking programs to achieve smoke-free environments.

The agency said it will also “strictly” monitor the selling, advertising, and promotion of cigarettes and other tobacco products within a 100-meter perimeter of schools in Metro Manila.

“We will help make sure that no vape shops are established within 100-perimeter of public and private schools in the metropolis,” MMDA Health and Environmental Protection Office (HEPO) Director Loida Alonza said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier said it will arrest those who will violate the ban on e-cigarettes and they will be “properly recorded in the police blotters.”

MMDA then reminded the public that several local government units in Metro Manila, such as Caloocan, Muntinlupa, Taguig, Malabon, and Navotas, already have existing local ordinances regulating the use, sale, and promotion of e-cigarettes.

Edited by KGA