With the strict enforcement of the city government’s policiy against the use and selling of vapes and e-cigarettes, the number of vape outlets in Davao City is reportedly dwindling.
“Ang balaod sa Davao City unique kay sa 2000 comprehensive ordinance na include na jud nato ang prohibition of the use of vapes as part of the electronic cigarettes. Isa na sa mga hinungdan ngano wala kaayo ni take-off ang vaping sa Davao City. Because of the strict implementation of laws murag maglisod na sila ug distribute ug sell sa vapes even the users are already hesitant to use vape,” Dr. Ashley Lopez, officer-in-charge of the Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) told media in I-Speak media forum.
Lopez said based on their regular inspections on vape shops in Davao City, they found out that several stores have already closed.
“Mas gamay na lang sila karon, even in the malls the number of stores selling vapes has reduced. Reason of the closure kay wala na sila customers ug wala nay mamalit,” he said.
Lopez said previously there were about 60 vape outlets in Davao City and there were about six outlets that stopped operating already including a stall at SM Annex.
“In Gaisano Mall of Davao, when I checked the stall it used to sell cigarettes and lighters, and vapes but now the stall stopped selling vapes. Ang reason nila ngano niundang sila kay wala na daw mamalit ug vape,” he said.
President Rodrigo Duterte recently signed an executive order which prohibits vaping or the use of e-cigarettes in public places in an expansion of his earlier nationwide smoking ban. The Executive Order No. 106 also prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and novel tobacco products to those below the age of 21, and requires the registration of such products and its components with the Food and Drug Administration. The establishments that manufacture, import, and sell e-cigarettes meanwhile are required to secure a license to operate from the FDA.
Lopez said prior to the signing of the EO 106, they have been enforcing the prohibition of the use and selling of vapes and e-cigarettes in Davao City.
“In the span of time we have been implementing and enforcing already the prohibition of the use of vapes sa mga public places. Sauna pa nga enforcement sa atoa dili na bag-o ang EO 106. When I started working in VRU three years ago, we already regulated the use of vapes or e-cigarettes,” Lopez said.
He said what is allowed now is the importation and selling of imported vapes as long as it is Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD) registered. He also said they are monitoring unregistered and adulterated (fake) vapes or e-cigarettes.
“Ang puwede lang makabaligya ug vapes karon and the gadgets are those imported ones. Unregistered and adulterated (copycat) or locally manufactured vapes are banned already by BFAD. Kung dili sila registred by BFAD they will be persecuted,” Lopez added.
Lopez said they are still conducting monitoring on various vape outlets in Davao City.
