Davao City Council pushes tougher enforcement, penalties vs illicit tobacco, vape trade
Davao City councilors seek stricter penalties and enforcement against illicit tobacco and vape trade, treating it as serious commercial crime.Summary
The Davao City Council is deliberating a proposed ordinance to strengthen penalties and enforcement against illicit tobacco and vapor products. Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz leads the committee handling the measure, which aims to prohibit the manufacture, sale, distribution, transport, and possession of illicit and counterfeit goods. The revised draft imposes a ₱1,500 fine and 30-day permit suspension for a first offense, escalating to a ₱5,000 fine and permanent permit revocation for third and subsequent offenses. Serious violations of national laws will be referred to agencies such as the PNP, NBI, PAOCC, BIR, BOC, DTI, FDA, and DOJ. The ordinance also establishes an Anti-Illicit Tobacco and Vapor Products Task Force to conduct inspections and verify tax markings and documents. Business permits will be used as an enforcement tool, requiring compliance clearances for establishments selling, storing, or distributing these products. The discussions emphasize that illicit trade, often involving organized commercial chains, should not be treated as ordinary anti-smoking violations with mere confiscation or small fines.
(Source：SunStar Philippines)
