The Department of Health (DOH) has warned that both tobacco and vape products contain toxic chemicals that can damage the heart, lungs, and other vital organs.
“Ang tobacco at vape ay parehong may mga kemikal na lason sa puso, baga at iba pang organs ng katawan (Tobacco and vape products both contain toxic chemicals that harm the heart, lungs, and other organs of the body),” the agency said during the observance of World No Tobacco Day on Saturday, May 31.
The DOH also urged individuals who need help quitting smoking or vaping to call the DOH Quitline at 1558 for support.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting both present and future generations of Filipinos from the harmful effects of tobacco and vape use.
“Walang Bagong Pilipinas na amoy yosi. Hindi bago ang Pilipinas kung ang baga ng Pilipino ay may lason ng vape (There is no ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ that smells of cigarette smoke. The Philippines is not truly renewed if the lungs of Filipinos are poisoned by vape),” Herbosa said.
“DOH will continue its work in protecting both present and future generations from the devastating effects of tobacco and vape use,” he added.
Herbosa said the DOH opposes the widespread use of cigarettes and vapes, which he attributed to aggressive marketing by the tobacco industry, leading to illness and death among Filipinos.
As part of its action plan, the health chief said the DOH will prioritize promoting education and crafting policies aimed at banning vapes nationwide. The agency will also push for standardized plain packaging for all cigarette products to reduce their appeal, particularly to young people.
In addition, Herbosa expressed support for the continued implementation of the Sin Tax, calling it an effective tool to reduce demand for tobacco products.
He added that the DOH will work to expand the PhilHealth benefit package to include smoking cessation services, and intensify surveillance and penalties against those selling tobacco and vape products to minors, particularly through online platforms.
Herbosa also backed a proposal by Health Justice Philippines to strengthen the regulatory authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over tobacco products, especially in terms of their health impacts.
World No Tobacco Day is observed every May 31 to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and to promote effective policies to reduce its consumption.