By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr. said that there is an existing ordinance regulating the use and sale of e-cigarettes or vapes in Bacolod City.

In a radio interview with Aksyon Radyo-Bacolod over the weekend, Gamboa pointed out the e-cigarette ordinance was approved in 2014, which he believed was “landmark” as it is the first in the whole country.

Gamboa explained anyone who violates the ordinance will face charges amounting to P1,000 on the first offense; P3,000 on the second; and P5,000 on the third.

The ordinance has also gained public attention as three cities and students from Ateneo de Manila University convey their interest in obtaining a copy of it, Gamboa added.

Last week, Bacolod City Police Office spokesperson, Police Lt. Colonel Ariel Pico recommended reforming the city’s anti-smoking task force.

Despite police’s claims that the task force has been dissolved, Watchmen Daily Journal confirmed that it is still active and reportedly continues to patrol the city to apprehend individuals caught smoking in public.

Duterte earlier issued a verbal order to ban the use and importation of e-cigarettes after the first confirmed case of vaping-associated lung injury.

He is also expected to issue a formal executive order related to the ban./DGB, WDJ