Parents urge stricter vape rules
Parents are calling for stricter regulations on vaping due to a significant increase in youth vaping rates in the Philippines.Summary
A group of parents, Parents Against Vape (PAV), is urging the Philippine government to strengthen laws regarding vaping, particularly concerning access for minors and marketing tactics. They cite a dramatic increase in vaping among Filipino youth – from 37,513 in 2021 to over 423,000 in 2023, according to the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI). The parents argue that the current Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which prohibits sales within 100 meters of schools, is insufficient. They also noted that some children refer to vaping as “oxygen,” indicating its normalization. PAV is calling for amendments to the vape law to address loopholes in access, marketing, and enforcement, and warns that a total ban may be necessary if regulations fail. The Department of Health has also considered a vape ban and encourages local enforcement.
(Source：The Manila Times)
