Photo courtesy of PNA
San Ildefonso has adopted a local ordinance giving authorities broader and permanent enforcement tools against illicit tobacco and vapor products, from their entry into the municipality to their sale in local establishments.
Approved on Sept. 2, the measure covers the possession, storage, transport, distribution and sale of products that fail to comply with government requirements. It builds on an earlier executive order issued by Mayor Amante Purisima addressing the illegal tobacco trade.
Under the ordinance, products may be treated as illicit if they lack required government registration, internal revenue stamps or graphic health warnings. Counterfeit products and those sold below the minimum price prescribed by law are also covered.
The municipal government said the tighter rules are intended to protect consumers while preventing illegally sourced and untaxed products from competing with legitimate tobacco farmers and businesses.
Local authorities may conduct regular inspections and confiscate products found in violation of the ordinance. The measure also provides for coordination with national enforcement and regulatory agencies when necessary.
Among the agencies identified for coordination are the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Trade and Industry and Food and Drug Administration.
Compliance with anti-illicit tobacco regulations will also become a condition for businesses to obtain and retain local permits. Violations could result in the suspension or revocation of permits.
Cases involving major violations or large quantities of illicit products may be referred to national authorities for possible proceedings under existing laws, giving the municipality a framework for pursuing cases beyond penalties available at the local level.