MMDA's Smoke Free Environment Campaign (Updated June 7, 2022)
1. What are the MMDA’s current activities in Metropolitan Manila in promoting smoke free environment?
a. On Policy Development
MMDA provides technical assistance to LGUs in the development of ordinances compliant with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
b. On Policy Awareness
• Display of signage in public utility vehicles.
• Display of signage in stores within 100 meters from schools.
• Display of smoke free policy and messages in public billboards.
• Distribution of information materials to various sectors (students, PUV drivers, store owners, vendors).
c. On Access Restriction
• Inspection of stores within 100 meters from schools for selling, displaying and promoting cigarettes and other tobacco products.
• Basis: RA 9211 Sec 10 prohibits the sale or distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products within 100 METERS from any point of the perimeter of schools, public playground, or other facilities frequented by minors.
• Reports are forwarded to the concerned local government units which conducts validation and sanction violators.
• Violators are penalized under the LGU’s Ordinance in various forms such as paying certain amount, community service, imprisonment, or revocation of business permits. Based on RA 9211, violators maybe penalized as follows:
o Fine of at least P5,000.00 or imprisonment of maximum of 30 days and at the court’s discretion, revocation of business licenses or permits in the case of business entity or establishment.
• Conducting orientation for students on smoke free environment.
2. Which stores are allowed to sell cigarettes
• Stores with business permit to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products provided that they are located outside the 100 meter perimeter of schools, public playground or other facilities frequented by minors
• RA 9211 Section 11 states that Point-of-Sale establishments shall post the signage bearing the message “Sale to or purchase by minors of tobacco products is unlawful" or " it is unlawful for tobacco products to be sold/distributed to or purchased by persons under 18 years of age".
• Vendors selling cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors will be penalized. RA 9211 provides penalties as follows:
o Fine of at least P5, 000.00 or imprisonment of maximum of 30 days and at the court’s discretion, revocation of business licenses or permits in the case of business entity or establishment.
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