MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte lambasted the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for its comments against his order to ban the public use and importation of vapes or electronic cigarettes.
“Itong IBP. Anong Bar exam ba itong mga ulol na ‘to?” President Duterte said.
The Chief Executive’s comment against the IBP came after IBP National President Domingo Cayosa Cayosa remarked that Duterte’s order banning vaping may be challenged by anyone in court.
“You know, do not listen to those lawyers and… Bugok na ‘yan sila, maniwala ka,” an incensed Duterte stated.
He even pointed out to Cayosa that an executive order imposing the ban and arrest of those who vape in public is no longer needed since there is already an existing law against nicotine use.
“I do not have to issue an executive order (because) meron ng law about nicotine. If you use vaping in public, there is nicotine. And so without the other chemical combustion there, you are already violating the law in vaping because it contains nicotine,” the President explained.
President Rodrigo Duterte last week ordered the public use and importation of e-cigarettes, popularly known as vape, following the first confirmed case of vape-associated lung injury in the country.
In response, the Philippine National Police on Wednesday already began its crackdown on vape users and vendors but it clarified that violators will be apprehended but will be release immediately after the incident is recorded in police blotter./PN
