Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros has sounded the alarm over the rapid spread of vape products in the Philippines, warning that their unchecked availability could expose young Filipinos to a “new kind of addiction.”
Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, said the chamber is reviewing proposals to strengthen oversight of vaporized nicotine products, including amendments to Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
“Sa mga nakaraang taon, mabilis ang pagdami ng vape products sa ating merkado… Ngunit sa realidad, marami sa mga naaabot ng mga produktong ito ay kabataang hindi naman dating naninigarilyo,” she said in her opening statement at a Senate hearing.
The senator noted that vape products are being marketed in ways that appeal to minors.
“Colorful packaging. Sweet and fruity flavors. Aggressive online marketing. And the widespread availability of single-use devices. All of these make vape products highly attractive— and dangerously accessible— to minors,” she said.
Hontiveros also flagged reports of vape cartridges pre-filled with cannabis-infused oil and other concentrates, calling it a serious public health issue.
“Ito ay malinaw na isang seryosong usapin ng pampublikong kalusugan. Ang usapin ng vape ay hindi lamang tungkol sa consumer choice. Ito ay usapin ng kalusugan ng publiko at kinabukasan ng ating kabataan,” she stressed.
Lawmakers are now considering stronger safeguards, including stricter youth access restrictions, tighter product standards, clearer regulatory oversight, and tougher limits on advertising and promotion.
“Whether through stronger youth access restrictions, tighter product standards, stricter limits on advertising and promotion, or clearer regulatory oversight, our responsibility is to ensure that public health comes first,” she added.