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Advocates Philippines
Blatant Violations in Vape Law Concern Senators
Photo credit: Sen. Joel Villanueva
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva is calling for immediate action from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other concerned government agencies regarding the widespread violation of Republic Act (RA) 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
The law prohibits the selling of vape products to minors. Despite this, such products are still readily available.
During a recent hearing of the Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking, Senator Villanueva highlighted the issue and called for immediate action to be taken by the DTI and other concerned agencies. He said that the proliferation of prohibited products was allowed and called for a clear and definitive answer..
The committee, which is chaired by Senator Pia Cayetano, is conducting a hybrid inquiry into the violation of the Vaporized Nicotine Regulation Act in relation to vape flavors and designs that attract the youth.
In 2020, when Cayetano sponsored the SIN Tax Reform Act, the decision was to tax and regulate vaporized products instead of banning them. However, she emphasized the importance of monitoring and regulating these products, especially those that entice the youth.
Peer-reviewed studies have warned that vape products might be more harmful than traditional cigarettes, with the United Kingdom issuing a warning on the dangers of vaping. Cayetano noted that these studies indicate that there is more lung damage to individuals who vape compared to those who smoke cigarettes.
The law prohibits the selling of vape products to minors. Despite this, such products are still readily available.
During a recent hearing of the Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking, Senator Villanueva highlighted the issue and called for immediate action to be taken by the DTI and other concerned agencies. He said that the proliferation of prohibited products was allowed and called for a clear and definitive answer..
The committee, which is chaired by Senator Pia Cayetano, is conducting a hybrid inquiry into the violation of the Vaporized Nicotine Regulation Act in relation to vape flavors and designs that attract the youth.
In 2020, when Cayetano sponsored the SIN Tax Reform Act, the decision was to tax and regulate vaporized products instead of banning them. However, she emphasized the importance of monitoring and regulating these products, especially those that entice the youth.
Peer-reviewed studies have warned that vape products might be more harmful than traditional cigarettes, with the United Kingdom issuing a warning on the dangers of vaping. Cayetano noted that these studies indicate that there is more lung damage to individuals who vape compared to those who smoke cigarettes.
Feb 11, 2023
