A growing crackdown on vape products is putting pressure on Philippine policy as health authorities push for stricter action amid a sharp rise in youth use.
Senator Pia S. Cayetano has voiced support for stronger action on vaping regulation, citing a growing regional trend toward tighter controls and total bans on vape products in several Southeast Asian countries.
In a statement, Cayetano noted that multiple Asian governments have already moved away from regulation-only approaches and adopted full prohibition policies on vaping.
“Over the years, many Asian countries have shifted from a policy of restricting the use of vapes to a complete ban,” Cayetano said.
She pointed out that eight neighboring countries in Southeast Asia — Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and Myanmar — have already implemented total bans on vape products.
Cayetano said these policy shifts reflect growing concern over the impact of vaping on young people, especially amid evidence of increasing addiction among minors.
“There are sound reasons for this shift, especially because evidence shows that our kids are getting addicted to these products,” she said.
She cited data from the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute showing a sharp rise in e-cigarette use among Filipino adolescents, from 0.08% in 2015 to 39.9% in 2023.
Cayetano said the figures underscore the urgency of stronger interventions to protect minors from exposure to vaping products.
“We must be willing to explore all options from banning to stricter regulations. It is only right that we act decisively to strengthen protections and safeguard our kids from harm,” she added.
The senator’s statement comes as the Department of Health has been calling for tighter restrictions on vape products, including the possibility of a total ban, amid rising public health concerns.
Photo courtesy of VERA Files
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