Gov’t urged to ban single-use vapes

Vape. Stock image

MANILA, Philippines — At least two senators called for a ban on disposable or single-use vapes, saying most of these are not registered with the government regulator and dangerous for public health and the environment.

In an ambush interview, Senator Pia Cayetano said people should not believe the argument that disposable vapes are “safer or healthier” alternatives for people or the environment.

“We still don’t have any scientific proof that it is safe for you. So if you can avoid getting hooked on some new addiction, please avoid getting hooked,” she said.

READ: Cayetano: Why would we want to be associated with ‘Dirty Ashtray’ award?

“Now itong disposable is even worse for the environment, because isang gamit, isang tapon. Parang yung mga single-use plastic bag, right?” Cayetano added.

(Now, these disposable ones are even worse for the environment because, after one use, they get thrown away. Like the single-use plastic bag, right?)

READ: DOH backs Recto’s proposal to ban disposable vapes

Senator JV Ejercito agrees. He said disposable vapes should be banned “right there and then” as they are unregistered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and are not appropriately taxed.

“Dapat talaga right there and then, itigil na, hindi pala nagbabayad ng tax eh. That’s already a blatant violation na kumbaga smuggled lahat ‘yan,” Ejercito said in a separate press briefing.

(It should be banned right there and then, especially since it is not being taxed. That’s already a blatant violation as they are technically considered smuggled.)

Ejercito said he supports Finance Secretary Ralph Recto’s recent proposal to outlaw the sale of disposable e-cigarettes in the country.

Earlier this week, the Department of Health expressed support for Recto’s proposal, noting that all vapes should be prohibited as they pose risks to the users’ health and the environment.

In February, the DTI said it penalized vape shops that sold their products to minors as part of their continuous efforts against illegal e-cigarette sellers. — Barbara Gutierrez, intern