Solon seeks inquiry into rampant use of vape among Pinoy youth
Published Jul 10, 2025 01:10 pm
At A Glance
- A House lawmaker is seeking an investigation into the rampant use of vape and electronic cigarettes among the Filipino youth, which he has blamed on aggressive social media marketing and lax implementation of laws.
A House lawmaker is seeking an investigation into the rampant use of vape and electronic cigarettes among the Filipino youth, which he has blamed on aggressive social media marketing and lax implementation of laws.
1Tahanan Party-list Rep. Nat Oducando filed House Resolution (HR) No. 43, which called for an inquiry on the current implementation of the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
Oducando's resolution aims to address the regulatory gaps and agency jurisdiction issues, particularly the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)'s regulatory power over e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
His move came as he expressed alarm over the increasing consumption of vape or electronic cigarettes among young Filipinos and the misconception about its use.
"Surveys indicate 14 percent of youth are using e-cigarettes and 70 percent believe it is less harmful than smoking, while 51 percent treat this as a cessation tool," Oducando said.
The rookie solon attributed this to aggressive marketing as despite bans, influencers continue to endorse vaping on social media and at live events that reach millions of young followers.
Vape companies also use bright packaging and lanyards, and resellerts do not strictly require IDs from buyers before selling.
He said a DTI report also found that 229 out of 621 vape stores were non-compliant based on retail audits, while online marketplace enforcement was even weaker.
"The existing law can be strengthened by aligning with the United Kingdom's evidence-informed policies, particularly in protecting minors, capping nicotine levels, enforcing plain packaging, banning dangerous additives, requiring pre-market approval, as well as improving product and health surveillance," he said.
Oducado believes there should be a national campaign focusing on awareness to address misconceptions that vaping is safe, as well as banning advertisements enticing the youth to become vape users.
"We must prioritize youth-targeted research on long-term effects and respiratory health. It is also high time to strengthen regulatory inspection and monitoring of vape products, especially flavored and illicit variants," he said.