Vape users have mixed reactions to the planned ban on disposable vape products pushed by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, which is supported by the Department of Health (DOH).
"Kumbaga sa akin ay okay lang naman po [yung ban], yung mga bata kasi minsan napapagbibilhan," Rafael Unson, a vape user, said.
Japs Rosales, 22, started vaping in 2017 to avoid smoking, but sees it as more costly.
"Natagal na ‘yung juice sa isang buwan, sa yosi bibili ka ng isang kaha, magkano na ang isang kaha... mas magastos sa yosi," Rosales said.
He said he gets his vapes from legitimate stores.
"Kaya siya tinatangkilik ngayon kasi mas practical po siya, once lang kayo bibili tapos yung juice lang ang pinapalitan... mas mura, matipid," Jason Dueñas, a Vape Shop Owner, said.
Xtianne, a vape user from Cagayan de Oro, credits vapes for allowing him to flexibly vape anywhere at his own pace.
"Unlike with cigarettes, I no longer need to seek out designated smoking spots outdoors," Xtianne said.
However, he maintains a neutral stance.
“My concern lies in their harmful impact on our environment due to their disposable nature and plastic components, which contribute to the growing waste on our planet," Xtianne said.
"When policymakers deliberate, they should carefully consider the economic implications for manufacturers, retailers, and related industries. Additionally, potential job losses resulting from banning these specific products should also be taken into account," Xtianne added.
Naja, a vape user from Sorsogon, said that she doesn’t support the proposed ban.
“I do not support the banning of disposable vape. As a vape user I find vaping and using disposable vape [as a way to] satisfy my stressful days; and for the policymakers they can ban the use of disposable vape [but only] to minors,” Naja, a vape user from Sorsogon, said.
Jillian Marie Eskayan, a 30-year-old entrepreneur and vape user from Cebu City, is a chainsmoker for around 20 years and switched to disposable vapes because it’s less pricey.
“I switched to disposable Vape products dahil sa presyo ng sigarilyo sa ngayon, as in ang mahal na kasi ng sigarilyo ngayon compared noong five to six years ago; then na-adopt ko na yung vape, lesser ang nicotine, lesser ang mabahong amoy, convenient kahit saan dalhin no need nang magbitbit ng lighter,” Eskayan said.
“But I highly suggest do’n sa mga hindi pa naninigarilyo na huwag nang mag-smoke kasi addictive talaga siya baka mahirapan mag-withdraw,” Eskayan added.
Sarah Jessica Soltera, a 28-year-old former vape vendor in Cebu City, stopped selling vapes because of the confiscation operations of the police.
She argues that the proposed ban is because of the less demand in cigarettes due to vapes being more convenient and less costly.
“It is about the money. Of course, may mga nasagasaan na kasi na manufacturers ng sigarilyo. Bumaba na obviously yung sales ng sigarilyo kasi people prefer vape kasi mas convenient dalhin at matipid compared to cigarette products," Soltera said.
"Sinasabi na kulang daw ng papers ang mga vape brand, manufacturer, supplier, distributor, eh lagi na man sinasabing kulang para maka-extort. Dahil kung kulang talaga eh wala sanang brand o wala sanang manufacturer ang na-endorse sa market. Madali lang namang basahin ang sitwasyon. Pera-pera lang talaga yan," Soltera added.
RECTO MOVE
In pushing for the ban, Recto said there are disposable vapes that are reportedly unregistered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and not covered by excise tax.
"I think we should ban disposable vape products. Most, if not all disposable vape products are unregistered with DTI and do not pay excise tax," Recto said.
Recto's recommendation, however, will still be conveyed to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which oversees the regulation of vapes and other tobacco products.
Recto suggests that if manufacturers of disposable vape products pay the correct taxes, the selling price should not be less than P3,000.
"It should not be sold for less than probably 3,000," he said.
SUPPORT
DOH supports Recto's proposal, highlighting the health risks associated with vaping, including nicotine addiction, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases.
DOH also expresses concerns about the environmental impact of electronic waste from disposable vapes.
"These items result in electronic waste (e-waste) that contains harmful chemicals that can seep into soil and water sources, posing risks to both the environment and public health," the DOH said in a statement.
Authorities also warn the public against buying cheap vape products and e-cigarettes.