The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on local government units (LGUs) to enact ordinances supporting the enforcement of national laws regulating tobacco and vaporized nicotine products.

In a memorandum circular, the DILG emphasized that local legislation must conform to national laws and should not set separate standards regarding the sale, manufacture, and distribution of tobacco and vaping products.

LGUs were instructed to implement existing laws, including Republic Act (RA) 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, RA 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, RA 10643 or the Graphic Health Warning Law, as well as RA 11467 and RA 10351, which govern taxation and product regulation.

The department also encouraged LGUs to adopt local rules promoting smoke-free environments, regulating designated smoking areas, and ensuring the proper display of graphic health warnings.

LGUs were reminded of the ban on using vaporized and non-nicotine products in indoor public areas such as elevators and stairwells, and the prohibition on sales to non-smokers and individuals under 21 years old.

The DILG further urged LGUs to coordinate with the Bureau of Internal Revenue in enforcing minimum pricing rules for vapor products and nicotine salts in their jurisdictions.