Public health groups have urged the Philippine government to impose a total ban on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and other nicotine delivery systems, warning that these products harm users and are becoming increasingly accessible to the youth.

The renewed call came after Myanmar became the eighth ASEAN country to enforce a vape ban, even as Philippine lawmakers continue to debate tax rates for tobacco and vape products.

Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, board member of HealthJustice and former health secretary, said Myanmar has moved ahead with a total vape ban alongside seven other ASEAN countries, while Congress is still deliberating on tax measures.

“While we support calls for higher and uniform taxes for all tobacco products as a step towards restricting these products, we also stand firm in pushing for a comprehensive ban. Such a measure will provide the strongest protection for public health and ensure administrative and regulatory clarity,” he said in a statement.

HealthJustice warned of the rapid proliferation of vape products in Southeast Asia, particularly among young people, noting that eight ASEAN countries - - - Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam - - -have implemented vape prohibitions.

Galvez Tan lauded Myanmar for demonstrating that the region is taking action against the growing “vapedemic,” saying the Philippines can do the same.

“This is the ideal step our government must undertake to prevent illnesses and deaths related to tobacco or vape use,” he added.

Data from the Institute for Global Tobacco Control in 2019 and 2021 showed that about 14 percent, or 1.21 million, of Filipino youth and 2 percent, or 1.63 million, of adults use e-cigarettes.

The institute noted that 70 percent of surveyed youth believe e-cigarettes are less harmful than conventional cigarettes, while nearly 51 percent said they used e-cigarettes to reduce or quit smoking.

In 2024, the Philippines recorded its first death linked to E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) - - -a 22-year-old male with no prior smoking history who had been using vape products consistently for two years.

Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo, executive director of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), said e-cigarettes are falsely promoted as harm-reduction and smoking cessation tools, even though their liquids and aerosols are toxic.

“Nicotine can raise blood pressure and heart rate, suppress the immune response, and promote cancer development, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer,” he said.

“Propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings, when inhaled, irritate the airways and damage lung tissue, causing chronic respiratory diseases.”

The groups noted that the Philippines is a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), which allows member-states to adopt stricter measures beyond treaty obligations.

“Higher taxes on harmful products can discourage consumption but if we truly want to protect public health, a total ban is the strongest measure the government can take to stop this worsening tobacco and vape epidemic,” Dorotheo added.

They said a total ban would also address tax administration concerns raised by government agencies and allow authorities to focus on curbing illicit trade.

In 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) called for a nationwide total ban on vape products, citing links to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other lung illnesses, reinforcing the push for stricter regulation.