On Monday, July 25th, the so-called Vape Bill was enacted into law. The measure aims to regulate the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use, and communication of vapour and heated tobacco products.
Importantly the bill focuses on imposing age restrictions over 18 years, ensuring that adult smokers can access non-combustible alternatives to smoking.
Liza Katsiashvili, community manager at World Vapers’ Alliance, said:
“While most policymakers are misinformed and fight against vaping, the Philippines followed the right path to embrace vaping as an effective harm reduction innovation to save lives. Other countries should follow this example and endorse smart vaping policies to ensure improved public health for millions of consumers globally.”
The act, introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto, indicates that the priority of the State is to adopt the harm reduction strategy, focused on smoking cessation for adult consumers. This statement is a massive victory for the vaping community in the Philippines.
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