Senator Pia Cayetano has vowed to pursue amendments to the current vape law, Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act or Republic Act No. 11900 which transferred regulatory powers from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Department of Health (DOH) to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
As far as she is concerned, Cayetano, chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said the current vape law is flawed and has a negative impact on public health.
The law, which was enacted in July 2025, regulates the sale, use and distribution of vaping products.
“Kahit i-Google niyo ang DTI, may mandate ba sila sa health (Even if you Google DTI, do they have specific mandate on health)? I always ask DTI, what is your competence?” Cayetano said in a radio interview.
DTI’s only competence on the matter is in “the testing of the (vaping) devices,” Cayetano said.
“To be able to test properly, you need pharmacists, nurses, toxicologists, experts on classification of chemicals, addiction specialists, and even pediatrics,” she said pointing out that this matter is out of DTI’s capability.
Part of the findings of the blue ribbon panel, she said, is the need to revise the country’s current vape law.
“Meron na akong bills na naka-file,” said Cayetano, a staunch advocate against vaping and cigarette smoking.
The senator vowed to continue advocating for stricter regulations on vaping and tobacco products.
“I will fight it till the end, when I find the right allies and we can pass a new law. If not, I will just continue talking about it and fighting about it,” she said.