THE House of Representatives yesterday approved on third and final reading a bill regulating the manufacture, sale and use of electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems (ENDS/ENNDS) and heated tobacco products (HTPs) or e-cigarettes.
A total of 34 voted no, four abstained, while 192 congressmen approved House Bill No. 9007 or the proposed Non-Combustible Nicotine Delivery Systems Regulations Act that sets the allowable minimum age to purchase, sell and use of e-cigarettes at 18 years old.
Rep. Sara Elago (PL, Kabataan) voted against the measure, insisting that the age of access restriction be raised to 25 years instead “in light of new studies and evidences which suggest that young persons below the age of 25 are highly likely to retain nicotine addiction.
“This (bill) could only perpetuate the nicotine addiction in the country,” she said.
Under the bill, the seller will have to verify the age of the buyer by requiring the presentation of any valid government-issued identification card bearing the picture, age or date of birth.
The use of ENDS/ENNDs or HTPs will be banned in all enclosed public places, schools, hospitals, government offices and facilities intended particularly for minors.
The sale or distribution of ENDS/ENNDS or HTPs within 100 meters from a school, playground or other facility frequented by minors is also prohibited to ensure they will have no access to the products.
The measure also prohibits manufacturers of ENDS/ENNDS or HTPs from sponsoring any sport, concert, cultural or art event, as well as individual and team athletes or performers where such sponsorship shall require or involve the advertisement or promotion of the products.
