Local govts urged to use GIS for issuance of business permits

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The Metro Manila Council (MMC) recently approved a resolution enjoining all local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region to enact ordinances on the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) for the issuance of business permits and licenses related to the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products including e-cigarettes.

Lawyer Don Artes, Metro Manila Development Authority (MNDA) chairman, said this move will ensure that point-of-sale establishments selling tobacco and electronic smoking products are not situated within schools, public playgrounds, or other facilities frequented by minors.

As stipulated in Republic Act(RA) 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, and Republic Act 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, selling of these products is prohibited within a 100-meter radius of schools, playgrounds, and other areas where youth activities are held.

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Artes explained that this strategy is one of the agency’s way of supporting the LGUs involved in the Smoke Free Project that stresses the need to strengthen and strictly enforce vape and tobacco control policies.

“Ordinances to be enacted by the LGUs must include provisions prohibiting ambulant vendors of cigarettes and electronic smoking products, as these vendors are capable of circumventing laws prohibiting the sale of such products within prohibited areas,” Artes said.

He added that the use of GIS technology will provide an accurate and efficient means for LGUs to guarantee that locations are verified prior to the issuance of business permits and licenses.

GIS information is a tool to guide local governments before issuing or renewing business permits and licenses to ensure compliance with existing laws and ordinances.

NCR LGUs are also enjoined to enact rules on display of signages prohibiting the sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes within the prohibited distance. The signages shall include graphic health warning illustrations and legal citations.

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