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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products hub? Solon says its 'deeply concerning'

PH as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products hub? Solon says its 'deeply concerning'

Published Aug 9, 2023 03:06 am

At A Glance

  • Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Ray Reyes is deeply concerned over the supposed plan of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to market the Philippines as a manufacturing hub for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs). 

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(Unsplash)

 

 

 

 

Deeply concerning. 

That's how Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Ray Reyes described the supposed plan of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to market the Philippines as a manufacturing hub for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs). 

“It is deeply concerning that our economic managers are seemingly disregarding the potential health risks of using e-cigarettes and HTPs in favor of economic gain," Reyes said in a statement. 

"While these products are usually branded as a safer alternative to cigarettes, they still pose many health risks," noted Reyes, a vice chairman of the House Committee on Health. 

Earlier, at the International Tobacco Agriculture Summit, a DTI official touted the Philippines’ potential to be a manufacturing hub for e-cigarettes and HTPs. 

Reyes said these pronouncements from DTI are contrary to the intent of Republic Act (RA) No. 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act), which aims to protect Filipinos from potential hazards of these products. 

"Our economic managers should be careful with their statements because these can be misconstrued as an endorsement of a product that they are mandated to regulate," he said. 

"We understand the need to jumpstart our economy but it is also important that we do not disregard the health of our kababayans," Reyes added. 

Under the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, DTI is mandated to regulate vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products. 

He said the DTI should instead focus on preventing and restricting access to HTPs and vapes, especially among young people. 

 

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Anakalusugan Party-list ray reyes e-cigarettes vape
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