By Edalyn B. Acta
Capiznon Congressman Nathaniel “Nat” Oducado of 1Tahanan Party-list is pushing to ban electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vape that are harming the Filipino youth.
In House Bill No. 6990, Oducado is seeking to ban on possession, sale, and distribution of e-cigarettes and vape products.
“These products have gained widespread popularity among young people, including students, due to aggressive marketing, appealing flavors, and misconceptions regarding their safety. The increasing prevalence of vaping among the youth represents not merely a behavioral concern, but a looming public health crisis,” said Oducado in his explanatory note for the bill.
The Capiznon lawmaker said that it is estimated that there are already 423,000 users of e-cigarettes and vapes in 2023, which was a more than 1,000% increase from the data of 37,000 young Filipinos using it in 2021.
Oducado also sounded the alarm that a 2019 survey found that 14.1% of Filipino students aged 13 to 15 were already using e-cigarettes. And of these, around 44% were previously non-smokers. Oducado said this is an indication that the e-cigarettes and vapes were their entry point to nicotine addiction.
The lawmaker said that vaping can increase health risks including respiratory diseases, heart problems and even liver injury.
“Let us not waste the future of our youth. Vape is not a simple vice. It is dangerous to
the youth and can lead to addiction through nicotine,” noted Oducado.
