Vapers to be fined P5k-P20k if caught vaping in enclosed public spaces
Individuals caught vaping in enclosed public spaces in the country may now face fines ranging from P5,000 to P20,000.
The ordinance will go into effect as part of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Republic Act. No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, released by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Thursday, Dec. 22.
According to the IRR, vaping is now prohibited in enclosed public spaces, excluding designated vaping areas and mall kiosks or similar spaces for product testing.
Vapers who fail to comply may face a fine of P5,000 for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense, and P20,000 for the third offense.
Places considered non-vaping areas include restaurants, conference halls, churches and other places of worship, and gas stations.
Vaping is also prohibited in health facilities including public and private hospitals, health centers, medical and dental optical clinics, nursing homes, dispensaries, and laboratories.
Educational institutions from preparatory to college and other youth activity centers such as playschools and youth hostels are likewise on the list of non-vaping spaces.
On top of the ban on vaping in indoor public areas, the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act sets the legal age to purchase, sell, or use vapes to 18 years old.
Meanwhile, establishments caught selling to minors will be fined P10,000 or imprisonment of 30 days.
In addition, the law mandates all manufacturers and importers of e-cigarettes to register with the DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) or they may face a fine of P100,000 to P400,000.
The bill was endorsed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on Jan. 26 and was certified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 25.
It is being implemented to regulate the importataion, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use and communication of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, and novel tobacco products in the country.
According to a report by the National Nutrition Council last November, both the number of users and health conditions linked to vaping continue to rise worldwide. In 2021, the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction recorded around 82 million users worldwide. 2.7 million of which (or around 3%) are from the Philippines.