Manila, Philippines — While the Department of Health (DOH) awaits legislation that would fully implement a total ban on vape products in the Philippines.
The agency is now pushing another proposal which is the removal of vape flavors from the market, that continue to attract users, especially the youth.
According to the DOH, the Philippines should already be among the countries that have imposed a total vape ban, such as Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste.
However, the agency noted that the importation of such products into the country continues up to now.
Health Department also raised concern over the appealing marketing strategies used by various vape shops, whether online or physical stores, which are not only attractive to adults but especially to children.
The DOH previously emphasized the harmful effects of vaping on health, noting that individuals aged 13 to 15 are already able to use vape products freely, increasing the risk of developing EVALI or E-cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury at an early age.
The DOH had also earlier proposed increasing taxes on vape products.
Meanwhile, during the recent hearing of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography regarding the Vape and Heated Tobacco Products Regulation Act, Committee Chair Risa Hontiveros once again emphasized the importance of urgently passing laws that would impose stricter regulations on these products for public health protection