ILOILO City – The city government is cracking down on stores selling “smoke candies”, a novelty item that mimics cigarettes, amid growing concern over its psychological impact on children and potential to normalize tobacco use at an early age.
“Selling these candies is not just a legal issue. It’s an attack on public health and the well-being of our children,” warned Iñigo Garingalao, head of the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST), as his office intensified enforcement efforts against products designed to look like cigarette sticks.
On July 18, two establishments in the downtown area of the City Proper were found selling the controversial candies following a report from concerned residents.
“They had products that, at a glance, looked like actual cigarette sticks. That is a clear violation of our comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance,” Garingalao said.
The sale of such products violates Section 5.2 (t) of Regulation Ordinance 2021-255, which prohibits the “selling or distribution of sweets, snacks, toys or other objects in the form of tobacco products which may appeal to minors.” A first offense carries a P5,000 fine, while repeat offenders face possible closure and revocation of their business permits.
Garingalao underscored the deeper danger of exposing children to tobacco-themed items.
“You might think it’s cute or petty, but teaching children that holding or mimicking cigarettes is normal is dangerous. This creates mind-setting — a psychological normalization of smoking, which can make them more likely to try real cigarettes or vape products later on,” he said.
He likened the issue to the early introduction of bitter food: “Just as you make a child get used to bitter melon by feeding it early, you’re doing the same here, introducing the habit, the familiarity, the behavior.”
He added, “The younger the exposure, the worse the long-term effects.”
ICAST is now urging all store owners to inspect their inventories and immediately remove smoke candies or any items resembling tobacco products.
“Some sellers said their stock came from Manila. If that’s the case, we ask you to return these products to your distributors. Do not bring them into Iloilo City,” Garingalao emphasized.
He also issued a firm warning to businesses caught violating the ordinance: “If you continue to sell these smoke candies, prepare to face closure. This is not something we will tolerate. Even toys that resemble cigarettes or vapes are included in this ban.”
ICAST is encouraging the public to take an active role in enforcement by reporting sightings and tagging the task force on social media.
“Let’s work together to protect our children. Normalizing cigarette behavior, even through candy or toys, is not funny, it’s harmful,” Garingalao said.
The city’s anti-smoking and anti-vaping initiative considers tobacco use not only a personal health risk but a cultural problem rooted in childhood exposure.
“There are many layers to our anti-smoking advocacy,” Garingalao added. “But if we want to break this cycle, we start with what children see, hold, and accept as normal.”
As the campaign intensifies, ICAST reminds retailers and distributors alike: in Iloilo City, protecting public health — especially that of children — takes precedence over profit./PN
