Acorda orders strict enforcement of vape law
PHILIPPINE National Police chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. on Monday ordered all police territorial units nationwide to strictly enforce the Vape Law and accost anybody who will be found using vape and e-cigarette products in public.
Also being targeted by the top cop’s directive are young students who are being seen using the banned product outside their school.
Republic Act 11900 prohibits the importation, manufacture, sale, distribution and use of vape products. Among other measures, it also called for lowering the vaping age to 18 from 21.
PNP Public Information Office chief, Colonel Redrico A. Maranan said that Gen. Acorda issued the instruction amid complaints from parents and teachers regarding the presence of some young students using vape products outside school premises.
“Our policemen have been ordered to accost and reprimand minors-students who will be found using vape and e-cigarette products in public.
On the other hand, adult violators will be held liable for violation of ordinances imposed by different cities and municipalities and will be asked to pay fines,” the PNP-PIO chief said.
Col. Maranan emphasized that public and private schools in Metro Manila and all other parts of the country are considered as ‘no-smoking areas’ and thus, police need the help of school authorities and parents and guardians in enforcing the rule.
He particularly said that there is an ordinance which strictly prohibits the operation of videoke bars, vape shops, billiard halls, computer shops and other similar establishments within a school’s 100-meter radius.
