City’s commitment to being smoke-free remains strong

The Public Order and Safety Division assured their continued commitment to maintaining the city’s smoke-free status.
This is despite the recent passage of the Vape Bill or the Republic Act 11900 which regulates the import, sale, packaging, distribution, use, and communication of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, lapsed into law on July 25, 2022.
In the recent Ugnayan Panlungsod forum, POSD team leader Allan Faustino reported they caught 145 individual violators and 54 establishments breaking the city’s Smoke-Free Ordinance.
Although the number of establishments violating the ordinance had decreased due to the increase in fines, the number of individual violators increased due to tourists being unaware of the strict enforcement of the city’s ordinance.
The POSD emphasized ignorance of the law is not an excuse, and both locals and tourists will be treated equally under the ordinance.
POSD head enforcer Daryll Longid said the city’s commitment to maintaining its smoke-free status is unwavering, enough to make it a benchmark for other cities, inspiring them to follow in its footsteps.
He said the city will continue to enforce the smoke-free ordinance to ensure a healthier and cleaner environment for all.
The city also remains committed to promoting change in behavior among tourists and maintaining its smoke-free status.
The POSD is always on the lookout for violators, and individuals who wish to report any violations of the smoke-free ordinance can contact the POSD via their Facebook page, Public Order and Safety-City of Baguio. – Joshua Caramoan