The Geographic Information System (GIS) will be used in the Greater Manila area of the Philippines to review licenses and permits related to selling cigarette commodities to ensure that cigarette and vape outlets are away from facilities frequented by minors, such as schools and amusement parks.
Audit License for Utilization of GIS Technology in Metro Manila, Philippines
According to a January 14 report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The Philippine Metro Manila Commission (MMC), and the National Capital Region have received approval (NCR) to use geographic information systems (GIS) to review licenses and permits related to the sale of cigarette commodities.
Tightening controls on tobacco e-cigarette sales
Romando Artes, chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), said on Tuesday that Resolution 24-31 aims to ensure that tobacco and vape products are not sold near schools, public playgrounds, or other facilities frequented by minors. The strategy supports the tobacco control and vape policies of the National Capital Region Local Government Units (LGU).
“Laws and regulations enacted by local governments must include provisions to prohibit the sale of tobacco and vape brands by mobile vendors, as these mobile vendors can bypass laws prohibiting the sale of such products in certain areas,” Romando noted. He added that the application of GIS technology will provide local governments with “accurate and effective means” to ensure that sales locations are verified before issuing business licenses.
According to the Tobacco Control Act and Republic Act No. 11900, the sale of tobacco and vape products within 100 meters of schools, playgrounds, and other youth activity areas is prohibited. The new resolution states that businesses within the 100-meter exclusion zone will be notified and given a “reasonable amount of time” to remove cigarettes or vape products from their inventory.
- “Any business that continues to sell cigarette and vape brands within the restricted zone will face penalties, including fines, repossession of goods, or revocation of business licenses,” the decision said.
Metro Manila is a special development and administrative region of the Philippines comprising eight cities and nine towns directly under the supervision of the President of the Philippines. The Metro Manila Development Authority is responsible for matters related to the area that involve citywide impact, transcending local political boundaries, or High Expenditure (MMDA) management.
