Vaping ‘not less harmful’ than cigarettes
The Department of Health (DOH) asserts that vaping is no less harmful than cigarettes, mirroring bans and restrictions in numerous countries.Summary
The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines has stated that vaping is not less harmful than cigarettes, citing actions taken by multiple countries to regulate or ban vape products. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa highlighted that several nations – including Bangladesh, Brunei, India, and France – have already banned vaping. The DOH intends to advocate for stricter regulations, specifically raising the legal age for vape consumption from 18 to 21 and increasing taxes on vaping products to limit public access. A concerning 14 percent of Filipino students aged 13-15 are already using e-cigarettes and vapes, underscoring the need for these measures, particularly to address youth access despite existing prohibitions.
(Source：SunStar Philippines)
