Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie "Wes" Gatchalian, along with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo and DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau Director Fhillip Sawali conducted a surprise inspection of several vape shops in the city on Thursday morning, May 4.
During his term as the city's representative, Gatchalian authored the Republic Act (RA) 11900 or the “Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act," which became a law on July 25, 2022.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo together with DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau's Atty. Fhillip Sawali, and Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian inspect a vape shop in Valenzuela City on Thursday, May 4, 2023, where they discovered vape juices with fruity flavor and animated packaging. (Noel B. Pabalate/MANILA BULLETIN)
Among the mandates of RA 1190 is to regulate the sale of Electronic Nicotine Devices (ENDs), control the release of flavored vape products that entice the youth in purchasing, prohibit sales near schools or public spaces, and prevent its sale to minors.
The city government said that although the sale of the vapes or electronic devices used as substitute for cigarettes is restricted, one of the law's signing purposes is to give smokers who cannot stop the habit an opportunity for a better alternative while helping them gradually withdraw from smoking.
The local government imposed temporary closure orders on two vape shops in barangays Pasolo and Maysan for non-compliance with some legal documents including fire, sanitary, and business permits during the inspection. The DTI also discovered violations of the Vape Law like selling flavored vape products, and setting up their vape store 100 meters near schools and public areas).
Gatchalian clarified that the sale of vape is not prohibited but only regulated in the city as it helps provide an alternative to smokers.
However, he clarified that he prohibits setting up vape shops near schools.
According to the mayor, vape store owners are deliberately trying to attract students through the sale of the flavored vapes.
He added that one of goals of RA 11900 is to protect the residents, especially the minors, from the effects of vape use.
"Nais ko lamang din po paalalahanan ang lahat na ipinatutupad po natin ang mga batas kagaya nito para sa kapakanan ng ating mga pamilya, lalo na ng ating mga anak. Patuloy po tayong magtulungan tungo sa isang mas malusog at ligtas na #PamilyangValenzuelano! ( I want to remind everyone that we implement laws like this for the sake of our families, especially our children. Let's continue to work together towards a healthier and safer #PamilyangValenzuelano!," Gatchalian said.
The city government said it will continue to inspect and monitor to ensure that all vape stores that are registered in Valenzuela are complying with the law.