SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian raised the alarm on Saturday over the growing use of illegal vape products among Filipino youth.
He warned that the widespread availability of cheap, smuggled vaping products is harming both public health and government revenue.
”Instead of focusing on education, many of our youth are addicted to using vapes because these smuggled products are easy and cheap to buy,” Gatchalian said.
The senator cited a report by the EU-Asean Business Council and Euromonitor International Ltd. showing that the Philippines lost an estimated P141 billion in government revenues due to the illicit tobacco trade in 2024 and 2025.
According to Gatchalian, the continued smuggling of cigarettes and vape products not only deprives the government of much-needed funds but also poses serious risks to consumers because of the uncertain origin and quality of the products being sold illegally.
”The continued smuggling of cigarettes and vape products is a major drain on government revenue. More than that, it poses a health risk to our countrymen because we are not sure where these products come from,” he added.
Gatchalian stressed that the illegal tobacco and vape trade weakens the country’s rule of law, fuels institutional corruption and undermines legitimate businesses that comply with government regulations and taxation policies.
The senator urged authorities to strengthen border control, intensify enforcement operations against smuggling syndicates and implement stricter measures to prevent minors from accessing vape products.
Health advocates have expressed concern over the increasing popularity of vaping among young Filipinos, warning that nicotine addiction may negatively affect learning, behavior and long-term health outcomes.
