Push grows to raise vape, tobacco age limit to 25
A coalition of health advocates supports raising the vaping and tobacco age limit to 25, citing potential harm to developing brains.Summary
A coalition of health and child rights advocates in the Philippines is backing Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa’s proposal to increase the legal age for purchasing vape and tobacco products from 18 to 25. The Philippine Tobacco Control Coalition argues that scientific evidence demonstrates the brain continues to develop until the mid-20s, and nicotine exposure during this period can cause lasting cognitive and emotional impairments. The coalition, comprised of several organizations including the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance and the Child Rights Network, emphasizes that vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking and urges Congress to prioritize youth health over industry profits. They point to the Philippines’ first e-cigarette-related death, involving a 22-year-old, and data showing one in seven Filipino students vape, as evidence of a growing health crisis. While advocating for a complete ban on vape and tobacco products, the coalition also calls for maximum tobacco taxes to deter youth consumption and fund Universal Health Care.
(Source：Inquirer)
