ALTHOUGH the Vape Bill has lapsed into law, the Department of Health (DOH) will continue to discourage the public from using vape products and electronic cigarettes.
DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire yesterday said they will also look at possible legislation that would counter the controversial measure.
“The DOH shall continue informing our countrymen on the adverse effects of these vape and other tobacco products,” Vergeire said, adding: “We will see what we can do on this for this next Congress.”
Last Monday, the Vape Bill lapsed into law as feared by groups calling for President Marcos Jr. to veto the proposed measure.
“It is saddening that this bill has lapsed into a law,” said Vergeire.
The DOH had earlier joined different medical organizations and anti-smoking advocates in calling on the President to veto the measure.
In separate interviews, the former heads of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) also said they will continue to support efforts to counter the measure.
In a television interview, former PCP president Dr. Maricar Limpin said they believe there are enough reasons to bring the issue before the Supreme Court (SC), particularly the delayed transmittal of the bill to the Office of the President.
“We felt that this bill should have been transmitted to the Office of the President a long time ago when this bill was already passed in both Houses of Congress. But that did not happen,” said Limpin.
“I think it can be expected that we will actually question the legality. On top of this, we will also question the constitutionality of the law,” she added.
Limpin’s pronouncement was backed by former PMA president Dr. Benito Atienza, who said their foremost concern is the law’s potential effect on the youth.
“There are several vape stores near schools. If it is being sold openly in malls, groceries, it would surely entice our youth to learn smoking and vaping,” he said in a televised public briefing.
“This vape bill is anti-health, anti-children, anti-adolescent after it lowered the access to vape from 21 to 18 years old,” Atienza stressed.
