According to a report from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on January 14, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) has approved the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to review permits and licenses related to the sale of tobacco products.
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).
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