18 September 2026
By Liza Agoot – Philippines News Agency
BAGUIO CITY – The city government is intensifying the enforcement of its anti-smoking and vaping ordinance, with cigarette sellers facing closer scrutiny as authorities seek to limit access to tobacco products.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong said Friday that while public awareness of the city’s ban on smoking in public places has improved, the government is now focusing on making cigarettes more difficult to obtain.
“Hindi tayo titigil sa pag-implement at mas lalo pa tayong magiging strikto lalo sa mga nagtitinda para siguraduhin na mas magiging mahirap ang pagbili, hindi lang ang paninigarilyo (We will not stop the implementation and we will further adopt stricter measures that will make selling in the city more difficult aside from smoking),” Magalong said.
He said enforcement teams are conducting discreet intelligence operations and inspections in barangays to ensure compliance with restrictions on cigarette sales, including the ban on selling cigarettes per stick and the prohibition on unauthorized selling.
“Patuloy ang intelligence at discreet na pag-ikot ng ating mga enforcers sa mga barangays para masiguro din na ang distances sa mga lugar na bawal ay ma-enforce, walang nagtitinda ng tingi-tingi para maging mataas ang presyo at hindi makabili ng basta-basta, at ang mga walang permit na magtinda ay hindi nakakapagtinda (Our enforcers continue to conduct discreet intelligence operations and inspections at the barangays to make sure areas where selling is prohibited remain so, nobody sells per-stick to decrease access, and those not authorized to sell cigarettes are not able to sell),” he said.
The anti-smoking task force, along with personnel of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) and Public Order and Safety Division (POSD), has also deputized enforcement agents in the barangays to help implement the ordinance.
Under the ordinance, the sale of cigarette is prohibited within a 100-meter radius of schools, government offices, and churches. The ordinance also bans the display of cigarettes and advertising materials in establishments, as well as selling cigarettes per stick.
Smoking is likewise prohibited in public places, including roads, alleys, parks, and public utility vehicles. Smoking in private business establishments is allowed only in approved smoking areas, subject to strict requirements.
The city classifies vape products as cigarettes under its ordinance. Magalong said no permits have been issued to establishments or businesses to sell vape products and supplies.
He acknowledged that vape products continue to be sold online but said city intelligence operatives are monitoring online activity.
“While vape is surreptitiously sold online, we are ensuring that our intelligence operatives in the BCPO and POSD and the task force are on their toes, checking for selling of vape products online,” he said.
The city government is also supporting a proposed national government initiative to prohibit the online sale of vape products.
ASEAN recognition
Dr. Donnabel Tubera-Panes, action officer of the anti-smoking task force, said the city’s recent recognition at the 2026 ASEAN Smoke-Free Award (ASA) is motivating officials to sustain its tobacco-control efforts.
“The award is more than just a plaque. It means we are on the right track in what we do as a city, enforcing a strict anti-smoking ordinance,” she said in an earlier interview.
She said the campaign has also raised awareness among tourists about Baguio’s smoking restrictions.
“It took years before we really saw the effect of the campaign, but we hope that the others who have not given up on their smoking, including vaping, will stop the vice for their healthcare and that of their families,” Tubera-Panes said. (PNA)