THE Department of Health on Sunday called on local government units (LGUs) to pass ordinances strictly implementing tobacco control policies, including electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).
In a statement released for Sunday’s observance of the “World No Tobacco Day,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the COVID-19 pandemic gives the LGUs more reason to minimize usage of both traditional and electronic cigarettes.
“Local chief executives are called on to pass stringent ordinances consistent with tobacco control laws and policies. This resonates louder as the world battles COVID-19, a novel disease known primarily to attack the lungs,” Duque said, adding LGUs that have ordinances against tobacco products should strictly implement them.
“It is now imperative that effective tobacco control legislation are instituted in the local government to protect the health of Filipinos,” he said.
Last April, the DOH reminded smokers and vapers that continuing with their smoking vices make them more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Duque said local officials can seek guidance from Executive Order No. 106 (s. 2020) that expands the coverage of the public smoking ban in public places to include e-cigarettes.
“This has now become our biggest problem, as electronic cigarettes have been linked to conventional cigarette use,” Duque stressed.
The DOH’s call is supported by the Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Philippines, which called for a ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
“If we really want to provide maximum protection to Filipinos’ health, banning these products is still the best option,” said ASH Philippines executive director Dr. Maricar Limpin in a separate statement.
