GIVEN the continued proliferation of electronic cigarettes and vape use, a non-government organization (NGO) advocating tobacco control yesterday pushed for amendments to the “Vape Law” that has been in effect for a year.
In a statement, Health Justice said lawmakers need to amend Republic Act No. 11900, claiming it has proven to be inadequate in stopping the highly addicting products from being accessed by the public, especially the youth.
“What we are seeing now is the widespread use of these harmful products among minors and the youth. This is very alarming for it means easy access to these products,” said Health Justice.
“It is clear that the law is inadequate to provide the needed protection from the hazards of these tobacco products. We need to amend the law to make it stricter,” it added.
Health Justice noted that vape products with assorted flavors, eye-catching packaging, and advertisements all designed to entice minors are widely available.
This is despite the law banning the use of marketing strategies and packaging designs that appeal to the youth, including phasing out fruity or candy-flavored vape juices.
Health Justice also noted that retailers continue to sell in areas where kids converge while also aggressively selling online through social media and shopping platforms.
The law states that the selling of such products is not allowed within 100 meters of places frequented by minors.
The NGO said there is a need to raise the age restriction on access to such products from 18 to 21 years old.
Health Justice also said there is a need to impose stricter flavor bans, prohibit online sales and marketing, and reduce nicotine content from 65mg/ml to the dose public health authorities recommended, while giving the jurisdiction to such products to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The group asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which is the lead implementing agency of the law, to “triple their efforts” at shielding the youth from accessing electronic cigarettes or vapes.
“Our government regulators, especially the DTI, should enhance their enforcement efforts to execute the access restrictions of the law and stop this vaping and nicotine epidemic,” said Health Justice.
