The Metro Manila Council (MMC) recently approved a resolution enjoining all local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region to enact ordinances on the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) for the issuance of business permits and licenses related to sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products including e-cigarettes.
This move, according to MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, is to ensure that point-of-sale establishments selling tobacco and electronic smoking products are not situated within schools, public playgrounds, or other facilities frequented by minors.
As stipulated in Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, and Republic Act 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, selling of these products is prohibited within a 100-meter perimeter of schools, playgrounds, and other areas of youth activities.
Artes explained that this strategy is one of the agency’s major support to NCR LGUs under the Smoke Free Project, stressing the need to strengthen and strictly enforce vape and tobacco control policies by crafting their respective local ordinances.
“Ordinances to be enacted by the LGUs must include provisions prohibiting ambulant or mobile vendors of cigarettes and electronic smoking products.”
“Ordinances to be enacted by the LGUs must include provisions prohibiting ambulant or mobile vendors of cigarettes and electronic smoking products, as these vendors are capable of circumventing laws prohibiting the sale of such products within prohibited areas,” the MMDA chief said.
“The use of GIS technology will provide an accurate and efficient means for LGUs to guarantee that locations are verified prior to the issuance of business permits and licenses.”
He stressed that the use of GIS technology will provide an accurate and efficient means for LGUs to guarantee that locations are verified prior to the issuance of business permits and licenses.
GIS information is a tool to guide local governments before issuing or renewing business permits and licenses to ensure compliance with existing laws and ordinances.
Furthermore, NCR LGUs are also enjoined to enact rules on display of signages prohibiting the sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes within the prohibited distance. The signages shall include graphic health warning illustrations and legal citations.
The MMC, composed of the 17 Metro Manila mayors, is the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA.
