DOH Calls for Strict Vape Access Control

Protecting Youth: DOH’s Stance on Vape Accessibility

In a significant move to protect the health of the youth, the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) has called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure stricter control over the accessibility of vapes and e-cigarettes to minors.

DOH’s Request to PNP

Ensuring Law Implementation

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has emphasized the need for stronger implementation of laws regarding vape products. In a recent media forum, he highlighted the importance of preventing minors from accessing vaping products, underlining the role of police, vendors, and stores in strictly enforcing these regulations.

Herbosa noted a decrease in tobacco use from 29.7 percent in 2009 to 19 percent in 2022, attributing this partly to the sin tax on tobacco. However, there is a concerning rise in e-cigarette usage among the youth, from virtually non-existent to 14 percent recently.

The Growing Concern of E-Cigarettes

Rise Among the Youth

Data from various studies, including the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, show an alarming trend of e-cigarette use among students nationwide. The Philippine Pediatric Society’s 2021 data revealed that 11 percent of students aged 10 to 15 years had already tried vapes.

The top reasons for vape use among the youth include online accessibility, the appeal of varied flavors, and the perception that e-cigarettes are safer than traditional tobacco.

Legislative Context

Existing Regulations

Republic Act No. 9211 and Executive Order No. 106 prohibit the sale or distribution of tobacco products near schools and other areas frequented by minors. Despite these regulations, a study by the Institute for Global Tobacco Control indicated that tobacco

and vape products are still being sold near educational institutions, posing a significant risk to minors.

Vape Bill Lapse into Law

In 2022, the Vape Bill, which lowered the age restriction for vape products from 21 to 18 years old, lapsed into law. This bill also removed comprehensive bans on vapes and heated tobacco products in public places, allowed their advertisement, and shifted regulatory control from the Food and Drug Administration. These changes have raised concerns about increased vape use among the youth.

DOH’s Concerns and Actions

Health Risks and Enforcement

Health Secretary Herbosa has expressed concern over the health risks posed by the increase in vape use among the youth. He emphasized the potential harm not only to the users but also to others around them. The DOH’s collaboration with the PNP aims to enforce stricter measures to curb this rising trend.

PNP’s Role in Implementation

Last year, the PNP stated its commitment to remind students caught smoking or vaping outside schools about the health risks and to confiscate vapes or e-cigarettes from repeat offenders. This is part of the broader effort to enforce regulations and protect the health of the younger population.

In Conclusion

The DOH’s call for stricter implementation of vape accessibility laws is a crucial step in safeguarding the health and well-being of the youth in the Philippines. Importantly, with the collaboration of various sectors, including the PNP and vendors, there is renewed hope for a significant reduction in vape and e-cigarette use among minors.

Consequently, this collaborative effort is pivotal in promoting a healthier future for the nation’s youth.