Duterte bans vaping; orders arrest of vapers puffing in public

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he will ban the use of vaping devices or e-cigarettes in public, as well as the importation of such devices.

"I will ban it. I will ban it, the use and importation," Duterte told reporters.

"You know why? Because it is toxic, and government has the power to issue measures to protect public health and public interest," he added.



Duterte said those who will violate his order will be arrested.

"Better stop it because I will order your arrest if you do it in a room. I am now ordering the law-enforcement agencies to arrest anybody vaping in public. That is like smoking," he added.

The Philippines earlier confirmed its first reported case of an illness related to vaping or the use of e-cigarettes, one involving a teenage girl.

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