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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Group backs DTI's proposed vape pod ban, presses for total vape ban

Group backs DTI's proposed vape pod ban, presses for total vape ban

Published Feb 10, 2026 06:13 pm
(PHOTO: PIXABAY)
(PHOTO: PIXABAY)
A health advocacy group on Tuesday, Feb. 10, welcomed the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) proposed move to restrict harmful vape products to protect young people, but stressed that only a total ban on all vaping and novel tobacco products would effectively safeguard public health.
Vonn Tanchuan, campaign lead of the TobaccOFF NOW! Movement, said the group supports tighter regulation but warned that partial restrictions could fall short of curbing nicotine use, particularly among the youth.
“TobaccOFF NOW! welcomes the DTI’s intention to restrict harmful vape products to protect our youth, yet we maintain that the only definitive way to safeguard public health is through a total ban on vapes (as suggested by DOH last November 2025), along with cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches,” he said.
The group cautioned that limiting regulations to certain vape products, such as open pods and e-liquids, could create what it described as a “dangerous behavioral loophole,” allowing users to shift to other nicotine products rather than quitting altogether.
“Targeting only open pods and e-liquids creates a dangerous behavioral loophole where users, especially the youth, are likely to simply migrate to disposable or closed-system alternatives rather than quitting the habit entirely,” Tanchuan said.
The TobaccOFF NOW! Movement urged the government to adopt a comprehensive approach covering all forms of novel tobacco products to prevent what it described as fragmented regulations that fail to address nicotine dependence.
“We urge the government to implement a comprehensive prohibition on all novel tobacco products to ensure that piecemeal regulations do not leave the door open for the next generation to be nicotine-dependent,” he said.
Tanchuan said the call echoes a proposal earlier raised by the Department of Health, which last year pushed for stronger measures against vaping and other emerging tobacco products amid concerns over their impact on public health.
Earlier, the DTI released a draft department administrative order (DAO) proposing a ban on vape open pods and e-liquids.
The agency opened the proposed measure for public consultation, seeking feedback from stakeholders and consumers due to health and safety concerns.

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TobaccOFF NOW! Movement VAPE DTI HEALTH PROPOSED BAN
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