Bacolod City Recalls Anti-Smoking Task Force After Pandemic Hiatus

Sep.20.2022
Bacolod City Recalls Anti-Smoking Task Force After Pandemic Hiatus
Bacolod Mayor reactivates anti-smoking task force to enforce smoking ban after COVID-19 outbreak.

Bacolod City - Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has reconvened the Bacolod Anti-Smoking Task Force (BASTF) to suspend the implementation of the city's anti-smoking ordinance, which was in effect before the outbreak of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic.


BASTF had previously convened and formed an action group to carry out the regulation, but due to the emergence of the pandemic, the operation was ultimately stopped," said the chairperson of the task force, Bennetts. The vice chairperson, lawmaker Simplicia Distrito, served as the chairperson of the task force.


A copy of administrative order number 34-22, released by the city government on Monday, states that BASTF and new members will continue to implement, strengthen, and oversee the order, while ensuring protection against interference from the tobacco industry.


It will also conduct educational and promotional activities, information dissemination plans, and capacity-building initiatives, to provide voters with information and train law enforcement officials.


As the chairman of the working group, Benitez will oversee the implementation of all anti-smoking regulations, including the regulation of e-cigarettes, and supervise the operations of the enforcement officers and action teams.


The mayor has instructed city administrators to assist in monitoring implementation and enforcement, provide regular status updates, and oversee the destruction of noncompliant cigarette products.


He also tasked city health officials with issuing formal subpoena to law enforcement personnel, assigning a hotline or any other number for reporting violations, and appointing city legal officials to assist in reviewing reports and complaints, and provide any legal aid and regulations related to the matter.


Statement:


This article compiles information from third-party sources and is intended for industry-related discussions and learning purposes only.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the content. The translation of this article is only intended for industry-related exchange and research.


Due to limitations in translation abilities, the translated article may not fully reflect the original text. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign-related expressions and stances.


The copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Philip Morris Japan launches new IQOS SENTIA “Icy Red” flavor with icy menthol and red berry notes
Philip Morris Japan launches new IQOS SENTIA “Icy Red” flavor with icy menthol and red berry notes
Philip Morris Japan has announced the launch of a new SENTIA Icy Red tobacco stick for its IQOS ILUMA i and IQOS ILUMA heated tobacco devices, featuring an intense menthol profile with red fruit notes. The new product will roll out in stages from December across physical IQOS outlets, online channels and tobacco retailers nationwide in Japan, priced at 530 yen (approx. USD 3.4) per pack.
Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Korea Launches New TEREA Packaging for IQOS ILUMA to Mark Third Anniversary
Philip Morris Korea Launches New TEREA Packaging for IQOS ILUMA to Mark Third Anniversary
Philip Morris Korea has announced a new packaging design for TEREA, the dedicated tobacco stick brand for its heat-not-burn device IQOS ILUMA, to celebrate the third anniversary of its launch in South Korea. The newly designed products are now available at nine IQOS flagship stores and major convenience stores across the country.
Nov.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Insights | From Limited-Edition Frenzy to Interactive Lead-Gen: The 2025 Halloween Shift in Vape Marketing
2Firsts Insights | From Limited-Edition Frenzy to Interactive Lead-Gen: The 2025 Halloween Shift in Vape Marketing
For Halloween 2025, leading vape brands such as HQD and ELFBAR are running overseas social-media engagement campaigns—covering points programs and UGC giveaways with age/region restrictions. Unlike 2024’s wave of themed devices, no brand-new Halloween limited editions have appeared on major U.S. channels this year; only RAZ has restocked last year’s version.
Oct.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea National Assembly Approves Bill to Regulate E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Law After Nine Years of Debate
South Korea National Assembly Approves Bill to Regulate E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Law After Nine Years of Debate
South Korea’s National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee passed a long-debated amendment to the Tobacco Business Act on November 26, expanding the legal definition of tobacco to include synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes. The amendment aims to end the regulatory blind spot surrounding such products while ensuring transitional support for vape retailers and a grace period for compliance.
Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Pakistan Speeds Up Local Nicotine Pouch Production as PMI Unit Prepares to Launch ZYN
Pakistan Speeds Up Local Nicotine Pouch Production as PMI Unit Prepares to Launch ZYN
Pakistan’s smokeless, tobacco-free nicotine pouch market has expanded rapidly in recent years, prompting major tobacco companies to accelerate local investments, with Philip Morris Pakistan Ltd. (PMPKL) set to produce ZYN at its Sahiwal facility.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. FDA Includes Cytisinicline for Vaping Addiction in National Priority Voucher Program, Shortens Review to 1–2 Months
U.S. FDA Includes Cytisinicline for Vaping Addiction in National Priority Voucher Program, Shortens Review to 1–2 Months
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added Cytisinicline, a plant-based therapy developed by Achieve Life Sciences for nicotine vaping addiction, to its new National Priority Voucher (CNPV) program. The initiative shortens drug review timelines from 10–12 months to just 1–2 months, expediting approval for treatments that address major public health needs.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai