DOH urges Duterte to veto vape bill

20 HIS OWN CLOUD For this man, happiness is vaping (or using an electronic cigarette). —RICHARDA. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday reiterated its call for President Rodrigo Duterte to veto the vape bill.

The bill, which was approved by the Senate on its third and final reading last December 2021, contains provisions which aim to lower the age of access of vaping from 21 to 18 years old, allow flavorings, and permit advertising and sponsorship strategies.

In a statement on Saturday, the Health Department said the bill “undermines existing national laws, policies, and standards on regulation, distribution, advertising, promotions, sale, and use of vapor products and heated tobacco products.”

The DOH also said the bill would “negate the gains” of the Republic Act No. 11223 (Universal Health Care Act) and other health laws.

“It will place Filipino youths at undue risk of harmful and addictive substances associated with vape use like alcohol, marijuana, and potentially other illicit drugs,” the DOH said.

The DOH also said the veto of the vape bill “will strengthen tobacco control in the country and enable President Duterte to leave an enviable and lasting legacy that will guarantee the health of generations of Filipinos.”

It can be recalled that the Department of Education also joined the calls for President Duterte to veto the vape bill.

READ: DepEd, doctors ask Duterte: Veto vape bill

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