Councilor says ordinance on E-cigarettes already exists

By: Dolly Yaaa

Bacolod City-Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. said that there is already an ordinance regulating the use and sale of E-Cigarettes or Vapes here.

Gamboa said the E-Cigarette Ordinance, which was approved in 2014, was considered a “landmark” being the first of its kind in the country.

He added that violators will be fined P1,000 in the first offense, P3,000 in the second offense, and P5,000 in the third offense.

The ordinance has also gained interest from three cities and students of Ateneo de Manila who coordinate with Gamboa’s office for copies.

Last week, Bacolod City Police Office spokesperson, Police Lt. Colonel Ariel Pico recommended reforming the city’s anti-smoking task force.

Under the present ordinance, persons caught smoking in public places are fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 in the second, and P2,500 or 30 days behind bars in the third.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier issued a verbal order to ban the use and importation of e-cigarettes after the first confirmed vaping-associated lung injury case was reported.

(Photo Courtesy of Kansas.com)