Key Points
- DOH is pushing for a complete national ban on vapes.
- Minors seen openly using vape devices despite age restrictions.
- Vape industry accused of targeting youth through flavors and cartoon-themed designs.
- Herbosa argues vaping may be more harmful than cigarettes.
- Health experts earlier urged politicians to adopt higher health taxes in 2025 to curb youth addiction.
2Firsts, November 24, 2025 — According to Manila Bulletin, the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has called for a total national ban on vape products, citing widespread and troubling use among minors.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said in a radio interview that although vaping is legally restricted to individuals aged 18 and above, minors in school uniforms are frequently seen with vape devices:
“Only adults are allowed to vape, but if you look around, you’ll see high school students with vape devices hanging from their necks.”
Herbosa stated that authorities must either strictly enforce the existing law or consider a complete prohibition to prevent youths from accessing vapes entirely.
He criticized the vape industry’s aggressive youth-targeted marketing:
“There are flavored and cartoon-themed products. They are clearly marketing to young people. Once youth become addicted, they cannot get out of it.”
Herbosa emphasized that vaping, once promoted as a harm-reduction tool for smokers, has evolved into a product that may pose even greater health risks:
“Vaping was marketed as a way to quit cigarettes, but it has now become a product that is apparently even worse.”
He also denounced the narrative that vaping is “less harmful”:
“Less harmful still means harmful.”
Earlier this year, medical experts urged 2025 election candidates to prioritize health taxes on cigarettes, vapes, and alcohol to curb consumption and prevent a rising “youth epidemic.”
Image Source: Manila Bulletin
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