Senator Risa Hontiveros called for a review and strengthening of policies governing vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, citing growing concerns over their impact on young people.
Hontiveros, who presided over a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography on Monday, March 16, 2026, raised alarm over the rapid rise of vape products in the market.
She pointed out that colorful packaging, sweet flavors, and online marketing have made these products more appealing and accessible to minors.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that our laws truly protect public health, especially the health and well-being of our young people,” she said.
She emphasized that the issue goes beyond consumer preference and should be treated as a matter of public health.
“This is not simply about consumer choice; this is about public health and the future of our youth,” Hontiveros stressed.
The senator also flagged concerns over vape cartridges that may contain cannabis-infused oil or other substances that could pose additional health risks.
The hearing forms part of ongoing efforts in the Senate to assess current regulations and determine whether stricter measures are needed to address the growing use of vape products, particularly among the youth.
In a February report by Philippine News Agency, public health advocates urged lawmakers to impose a total ban on electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and other nicotine delivery systems, warning that the Philippines is lagging behind several Southeast Asian nations in protecting the public from what they described as a growing “vapedemic.”
The report noted that Myanmar recently joined other countries in the region that have already implemented comprehensive vape bans, while the Philippine Congress continues to deliberate on proposed tax measures for tobacco and vape products.
Former Health Secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan said that while higher and uniform taxes on tobacco and nicotine products are a step forward, these are not enough to address the risks.
“While our legislators are still debating tax rates for vapes and other nicotine delivery products, Myanmar has joined seven other ASEAN countries in implementing a total vape ban. While we support calls for higher and uniform taxes for all tobacco products as a step towards restricting these products, we also stand firm in pushing for a comprehensive ban,” Galvez Tan said.
Health groups said that aside from Myanmar, countries such as Brunei, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam have already enforced strict vape prohibitions.
They added that stronger measures, including a total ban, would provide clearer regulation and better protection for public health, particularly for young people.
