WITH the smoke from the May 12 midterm polls having cleared, health advocacy group Parents Against Vape (PAV) yesterday called on newly-elected senators and congressmen to help in their bid to have a smoke-free and vape-free generation.
In a statement, the PAV said elected officials must push for a healthy lifestyle while strongly rejecting vaping and smoking.
“Officials should address smoking and vaping by advocating policy reforms, actionable strategies in smoking cessation support, alongside any efforts to curb vaping to protect the health and well-being of future generations,” the PAV said.
“We believe that our elected officials could help reduce vaping and smoking uptake among children and youth,” it added.
The group said such an act can start by rejecting the controversial House Bill 11360 seeking the lowering of excise tax on tobacco products, supposedly as a way to curb illicit trade.
“We remind our legislators: sin taxes are not just about revenue. They are a shield that protects the next generation. When we lower these taxes, we lower our defenses,” said PAV.
“We urge our lawmakers: stand on the side of health, not harm. Stand with the people, not with profit,” it added.
