Benjamin Magalong expresses full support for DTI e-cigarette ban

Aug.06.2024
Benjamin Magalong expresses full support for DTI e-cigarette ban
Benjamin Magalong, Mayor of Baguio City, supports nationwide ban on online sales of e-cigarette products by DTI.

According to a recent report by Manila Times, Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City, Philippines, expressed full support for the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) nationwide ban on the online sale of e-cigarette products.


The mayor stated, "We fully support the DTI's decision to ban the online sale of e-cigarettes. This is part of our efforts to protect children from the harmful and addictive effects of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.


In fact, this ban should be maintained until online sales platforms and distributors can implement strong age verification measures to ensure that sales are restricted to adults.


The mayor expressed appreciation for the ban on DTI, stating that the ban is based on protecting youth and prioritizing public health.


On July 20, 2024, DTI Minister Fred Pascual signed Department Administrative Order No. 24-03 for the year 2024, immediately suspending the online sale of e-cigarette products, devices, and systems on the market. This directive is based on Republic Act 11900, also known as the "Regulation of Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Act," which requires measures to be taken to prevent minors, especially through online channels, from accessing e-cigarette products.


Minister of Trade and Industry stated that.


Protecting our youth is non-negotiable. The proliferation of e-cigarette products on online markets allows minors easy access to these harmful substances, posing a significant threat to their health and wellbeing. This ban is a necessary step to curtail this concerning trend.


Magalang mentioned that although the smoking rate in Baguio City is declining, the issue of e-cigarettes is becoming increasingly serious, especially in attracting more young people. The city government has been implementing City Ordinance No. 34 of 2017, also known as the "Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance," through its smoke-free task force. This ordinance also includes regulations on the use and sale of electronic nicotine delivery products (e-cigarettes).


According to city regulations, stores found selling unauthorized e-cigarette products will be fined.


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