THE Department of Health (DOH) has recommended that while it waits for the passage of a total vape ban, the minimum age of vape use be increased from 18 to 25, vape flavors be banned, and taxes on vaping products be significantly raised.
During the commemoration of No Smoking Month at the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City on Monday, Tina Marasigan, Director IV of the DOH Health Promotion Bureau, said the proposed measures aim to address the alarming rise in youth vaping while discouraging nicotine addiction across all age groups.
“While the DOH is unequivocally advocating for the complete ban of vapes in the country, we recognize that this will take time as it requires legislative action,” said Marasigan.
In the meantime, the agency is pushing for three key measures to curb vape use and limit the access of vape products among youth.
The agency said the proposed measure aims to delay exposure to nicotine and prevent addiction among young adults.
With over 16,000 vape flavors available globally, including sweet and fruity variants, these products are seen as a major factor in hooking teenagers and young adults to vaping, according to Marasigan. ALLEN LIMOS
Marasigan also noted that the proposed higher taxes on all vaping products will include devices and consumable liquids.
Currently, only the consumables (such as vape juices) are taxed, while vaping devices themselves are exempt.
The DOH recommends taxing vape devices similar to traditional cigarettes, which are subject to a P60-per-pack tax with a 5-percent annual indexation. The tax aims to reduce the affordability of vaping products, particularly among youth.
The DOH has called on lawmakers and civil society to support stricter regulations and to consider the long-term health impacts of vaping.
“Health is non-negotiable,” said Marasigan, urging lawmakers to prioritize public health initiatives.
Marasigan added that, like floppy disks — which she said Gen Z may no longer know how to use — she hopes future generations will no longer be familiar with what vapes were for.
