Key Takeaways
- Several Philippine anti-smoking advocacy groups on April 27, 2026 urged DTI to act against tobacco companies accused of violating the Vape Regulation Act of 2022.
- The Child Rights Network said DTI has exclusive jurisdiction over all issues, requirements and subject matters related to vape products.
- Health Justice Philippines said ZYN and IQOS Philippines had promotional presence at the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.
- Parents Against Vape filed a complaint over IQOS Philippines’ collaboration with local artist Isabel Santos.
- Action on Smoking and Health Philippines said ZYN nicotine pouches were found to be unregistered with DTI despite being available in the market.
2Firsts, April 27, 2026
According to SunStar Philippines, several anti-smoking advocacy groups in the Philippines on April 27 urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to take action against tobacco companies accused of violating Republic Act 11900, or the Vape Regulation Act of 2022.
Child Rights Network called for immediate regulatory action by DTI
In a statement, the Child Rights Network said it is imperative for DTI to take action because it has exclusive jurisdiction over any and all issues, requirements and subject matters related to vape products.
Child Rights Network spokesperson Au Quilala said immediate regulatory action from DTI is needed to put an end to these industry tactics and to reaffirm the government’s mandate to protect the health of its people.
She also said DTI must do its duty and act against the industry’s disregard for children’s rights, public health and the integrity of cultural spaces.
Groups said three complaints had been filed against ZYN and IQOS
The health advocacy groups said three consecutive complaints had been filed against nicotine pouch brand ZYN and heated tobacco product company IQOS Philippines.
Health Justice Philippines said the products had promotional presence at a Cebu festival
Health Justice Philippines said ZYN and IQOS were documented to have promotional presence during the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.
Section 14(a) of Republic Act 11900 prohibits the sponsorship of any sport, concert, cultural or art event.
Health Justice said these cultural events are widely attended by families and children, making any form of tobacco promotion illegal.
The group added that even with its limited provisions to protect children and young people, the Vape Law clearly prohibits the promotion of harmful tobacco products in spaces meant to be safe for children.
Parents group filed complaint over collaboration with a local artist
Parents Against Vape also filed a complaint over the collaboration between IQOS Philippines and local artist Isabel Santos.
Section 12(c) of the law prohibits the endorsement, implied or express, by a celebrity of vape products.
Parents Against Vape said it is disheartening to see artistic spaces being infiltrated by the tobacco industry.
The group added that these platforms have significant reach among young people and that if such violations are allowed to bypass the law without sanction, more young people will be exposed to and influenced by harmful and deadly products.
ASH Philippines said ZYN products were not registered with DTI
Action on Smoking and Health Philippines said ZYN pouches were found to be unregistered with DTI despite being available in the market.
Section 19 of the Vape Regulation Act provides that all manufacturers and importers of vape products must register with DTI.
ASH Philippines said it is alarming to see such products widely available in the market without proper registration. The group added that nicotine products already pose known health risks, and that concern is greater for products that have not been approved.
Groups said the industry continues to disregard existing laws
According to the groups, the alleged violations clearly show the continued non-compliance of the tobacco industry with existing laws and regulations on the promotion and distribution of vaping products.
Philippine Smoke-Free Movement said companies will keep violating the law if unchecked
The Philippine Smoke-Free Movement said the tobacco industry has a tendency to violate the Vape Regulation Act of 2022.
National coordinator Rizza Duro said it is clear that tobacco companies will continue to violate the law if left unchecked. She added that the incidents reflect a recurring pattern of non-compliance by the tobacco industry.
Image source: Sunstar
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