Go to court, PNP tells those opposed to anti-vaping ops

The Philippine National Police (PNP) advised vape users to seek judicial guidance in court if they have problems with the nationwide crackdown on electronic cigarettes.

Police have arrested 243 vape users and confiscated 318 pieces of e-cigarettes and 666 vape juices since the operation started last week.

PNP Spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said that their operation will continue since this is the instruction of President Duterte.

"Those with contrary opinion can go to court for judicial review," said Banac.

Vape users have been questioning the operation against e-cigarettes, saying there is no law that bans vaping in public places.

But Banac argued that the operations against vapers are covered in the Executive Order 26 which bans smoking tobacco products in public places.

He said that the terms “public health” and citing the Clean Air Act in the implementation of EO 26 are legal justifications of their operation.

"Vaping in public is subject to warrantless arrest or apprehension since the legal purpose is to bring the offender to the police station for blotter and recording," said Banac.

All those who were arrested were taken to police stations for recording and eventually released due to lack of a clear law that punishes vaping.

Banac, however, cited exceptions, such as local government units which have passed ordinances prohibiting and punishing vaping in public.