The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on local government units (LGUs) to implement stricter ordinances regulating the sale and use of tobacco and vape products.
In a newly issued memorandum circular, the DILG emphasized the need for compliance with existing laws governing the production, distribution, and sale of these products.
Among the laws cited were Republic Act (RA) 9211, also known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, RA 11900, the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, RA 10643, the Graphic Health Warning Law, RA 11467, and RA 10351.
The DILG encouraged LGUs to establish smoke-free environments, designate smoking areas, and ensure the proper display of graphic health warnings.
The initiative aims to tighten enforcement of regulations surrounding tobacco and vape products to safeguard public health.
The DILG stressed that LGUs play a critical role in enforcing these laws to protect citizens from the harmful effects of smoking and vaping.