Philippine Smoke-Free Movement Calls for E-Cigarette Regulation Review

Aug.13.2024

Philippine Smoke-Free Movement urges lawmakers to review e-cigarette regulations following first related death case, reports Manila Times.

According to a report by the Manila Times on August 13, the Philippine Smoke-Free Movement (PSFM) is calling on lawmakers to review the e-cigarette regulation law following the first reported death related to e-cigarettes.

Rizal Duro, the national coordinator for PSFM, mentioned during a forum on Monday (12th) a recent report from the Ministry of Health. The report stated that a 22-year-old athlete died from lung damage associated with e-cigarette use (Evali).

Du Luo pointed out that the athlete is in good physical health, with no underlying medical conditions, but has been using e-cigarettes daily for the past two years.

The coordinator cited government data and expressed regret over the sharp increase in the number of teenagers addicted to e-cigarettes.

A recent global survey on tobacco use among teenagers revealed that one in eight children aged 13 to 15 are already smoking, with one in seven preferring e-cigarettes.

Ma. Aurora Quilala, Deputy Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), stated that the same data also indicates a failure in "our society and the entire country" in fully protecting the rights and well-being of young people, especially in terms of their health.

Quilala and Duro are both calling for an immediate review of Republic Act 11900 and are requesting that the age limit for the sale and use of e-cigarettes be restored to 21 years old.

References:

[1] Lawmakers urged to review vape law

Also Read:

[1] Illegal e-cigarette products in Taytay market seized by authorities.

[2] Benjamin Magalong expresses full support for DTI e-cigarette ban

[3] Philippine Customs Investigates E-Cigarette Recycle and Resale Scandal

[4] Philippines Customs Bureau Suspected of Corruption: E-Cig Products Worth Nearly $10 Million Possibly Resold

[5] Philippine House Committee Approves Bill Banning Online Tobacco Sales

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