PNP: Vaping still allowed in designated smoking areas

Smoking electronic cigarette or vape is still allowed in designated areas, according to the Philippine National Police on Friday.

"'Yung mga designated smoking area ay pinapayagan pa rin naman under the EO 26. So, kung mayroon namang smoking area, maaari namang gumamit doon ang ating mga vapers," PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Bernard Banac said in an interview on Unang Balita.

He added that the police uses Executive Order 26, titled “Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environments in Public and Enclosed Places,” as basis for arresting vape users in public places.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed EO 26 in 2017, enforcing a nationwide smoking ban since July that year.

No formal charges will be filed against the violators, unless there is an existing ordinance from their local government units.

“Arrest, put them on the blotter and release them,” Gamboa said when he reiterated his directive to all police units nationwide.

Duterte recently ordered law enforcers to arrest all vape users who are smoking in public, noting that such devices contain chemicals with unknown effects to the body. —Dona Magsino/LBG, GMA News