Senator Pia Cayetano has expressed her full support to the government’s plan to ban disposable vapes in the country.

“Yes, I support the banning of disposable vapes. Number one, vapes are very dangerous,” Cayetano said in an interview in Cebu City on Thursday, March 7, where she participated in the Women’s Month celebration.
“Panawagan ko talaga sa mga (my call to all the) young people listening: do not buy the argument na (that) it is safer for you or healthier. Wala pa (there is still no) scientific proof that it is safe for you. So if you can avoid getting hooked on some new addiction, please avoid getting hooked,” Cayetano added.
The use of disposable vapes, she said, is also even worse, especially for the environment.
“Now itong (a) disposable (vape) is even worse for the environment, because isang gamit, isang tapon (just after one use, you throw it). Parang yung mga (It’s like the problem with) single-use plastic bag, right?” she pointed out.
“The young people already know. The young people in their own are doing their part in not contributing to the garbage, so that is also another harmful effect of disposable vapes, aside from the ill health effects,” she stressed.
Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto earlier said the government is considering prohibiting the use of disposable vapes in the country due to issues about unregulated sales, tax evasion and significant health risks, especially among the youth.
Recto said the government would be keeping a close tab on retailers, especially online stores selling unregistered disposable vape products and impose penalties.
The former senator said those found to be selling unregulated disposable vape products may face the penalties under Republic Act 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
According to Recto, majority of the disposable vapes sold in the market lack registration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and do not comply with the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) tax requirements.