Philippine Capital Approves GIS for Tobacco Permit Monitoring in NCR

On Tuesday (the 14th), Chairman Romando Artes of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) stated in a release that the Resolution Nos. 24-31 aim to ensure that the sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products is not near schools, public playgrounds, or other facilities frequented by minors. This strategy supports the anti-smoking and e-cigarette policies of the local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region.

Romando pointed out that regulations formulated by local government units must include clauses prohibiting mobile vendors from selling cigarettes and e-cigarette products, as these vendors can bypass laws prohibiting the sale of such products in specific areas. He added that the application of GIS technology will provide local government units with "accurate and efficient means" to verify sales locations before issuing business licenses.

According to the Tobacco Control Act and Republic Act No. 11900, the sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products is prohibited within a 100-meter radius of schools, playgrounds, and other areas where adolescents gather. The new resolution stipulates that businesses within this 100-meter restricted zone will be notified and given a "reasonable amount of time" to remove cigarettes or e-cigarette products from their inventory.

The resolution states that any businesses continuing to sell tobacco and e-cigarette products within the prohibited zone will face penalties, including fines, product confiscation, or revocation of business licenses.

The Greater Manila Area is a special development and administrative region in the Philippines, covering eight cities and nine municipalities, under the direct supervision of the Philippine President. The affairs of the region involving city-wide impact, transcending local political boundaries, or involving significant expenditures are managed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

References:

[1] MMC okays geo tracking for tobacco-related biz permits

Also Read:

[1] Philippines' DTI Reaffirms New Rules: E-Cigarette Products Must Hold PS Certification, Violators Face Heavy Penalties

[2] Philippines DTI to Revise E-cigarette Regulations, Major Changes Expected

[3] Philippine BIR Seizes 560,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes in Nationwide Raids, $7.1 Million in Tax Evasion Detected

[4] DTI Lifts Trade Ban on AEROGIN and RELX, FLARE and Others Still Need PS Certification

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