THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday appealed to President Duterte to veto the vape bill before he steps down on June 30.
In a virtual press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said they are hoping that Duterte will heed the call of the DOH to help ensure he will leave a healthy Philippines.
“The DOH continues to ask President Duterte to veto this vape bill as vape products pose a danger to everyone’s health, especially our children,” said Vergeire.
“Tobacco and vape are threats to our lives. Together, we strive for a smoke and vape-free Philippines,” she added. The DOH’s call was supported by different health and anti-smoking groups under the Sin Tax Coalition.
In a statement, they said they continue to appeal to Duterte to stop the bill from becoming a law.
“We call on President Duterte to veto the bill, even in his last few days in office,” they said.
“We are aware that it is a personal crusade of yours to fight substance abuse and protect the health of the youth. We urge you to protect the legacy you have fought for, and veto the Vape bill,” they added.
The group said Duterte should not allow the measure to lapse into law as it will reward the attempts of Congress and the tobacco industry to “bastardize” the legislative process.
“We condemn Congress for its delayed transmittal of the bill, five months after its bicameral approval in the Senate and House. This is clearly a tactic to prevent President Duterte from vetoing the harmful, anti-health bill,” they said.
“President Duterte, the tobacco industry is bastardizing the legislative process by depriving you of your right to review and veto or pass legislation,” added the anti-smoking advocates.
Congress transmitted the vape bill to the Office of the President last June 24.
Vergeire explained they are against the measure as it strips the DOH and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the power to regulate vape products.
The law mandates the Department of Trade and Industry to regulate vape products in the market.
