MANILA, (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry National Capital Regional Office (DTI-NCRO) has established a specialized unit focused solely on vape regulation enforcement, according to DTI-NCRO Regional Director Winston T. Singun.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum on Tuesday, Singun addressed concerns about the widespread use of vape products among youth.
“The DTI has been mandated to play a major role in enforcing vape regulations under the law,” Singun said. “We have an office at our headquarters dedicated specifically to vape issues.”
Singun explained that consumer divisions across regions are tasked with implementing regulations that prohibit vape sales near schools.
The department also strictly enforces product standards for these items, though he noted that vape programs don’t fall directly under DTI-NCRO’s jurisdiction.
When asked about penalties for establishments caught violating regulations by selling vape products near schools, Singun indicated that violators could face serious consequences.
“Based on my personal knowledge, there are criminal cases filed against violators,” Singun said.
The government’s focus on vape regulation comes amid growing concern about increasing e-cigarette use among young Filipinos, despite laws restricting sales to minors. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
