DOH sad about Vape Law, to continue warning Filipinos vs. tobacco products

The Department of Health (DOH) expressed sadness Tuesday that the controversial vape bill is now a law as it vowed to continue warning Filipinos about the ill effects of vape and tobacco products.

Earlier in the day, Malacañang confirmed that vape bill has lapsed into law. It provides regulations on the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use, and communication of vape products and novel tobacco products.

“Well, nakakalungkot ano na naglapse into law. Pero kami ay tuloy tuloy pa rin sa Kagawaran ng Kalusugan para iparating sa ating mga kababayan ang masamang dulot ng vape at saka 'yung mga tobacco products natin,” DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an interview with the reporters.

(We are saddened that it lapsed into law. However, we will continue to warn Filipinos on the bad effects of vape and tobacco products.)

“So titignan natin kung ano pa ang pwede nating gawin for this next Congress para maisulong pa natin ulit ang batas na ito,” she added.

(We will look at what we can do for this next Congress to review the said measure.)

The DOH opposed the law that lowers the age of access to vape and e-cigarette products from 21 years old to 18.

The Health department said the measure is contrary to the public health goals to protect Filipinos especially the youth from the harmful effects of smoke and emissions from tobacco products, vapor products, and heated tobacco products.

“If passed, the vape bill will also negate the gains of Republic Act No. 11223 (Universal Health Care Act) and other health laws. It will [expose] Filipino youths to undue risk of harmful and addictive substances associated with vape use like alcohol, marijuana, and potentially other illicit drugs,” it earlier said.

Manufacturers, distributors, importers, and sellers will be given an 18-month transitory period from the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations to comply with the requirements of this measure.

This would include the registration of the vape products with the Department of Trade and Industry.—AOL, GMA News