VARIOUS groups from the Philippines continue to advocate for smoke-free alternatives such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products as other countries in Southeast Asia started pushing for the regulation of smoke-free alternatives to reduce harm from smoking. The proposed Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act or vape bill passed by Congress is awaiting the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte. Nicotine Consumers Union of the Philippines President Anton Israel said that providing alternatives to more people will reduce the harmful effects of smoking. "Asian consumers deserve the same access to smoke-free cigarettes as what consumers in the US and Europe get. The Vape bill was ratified by the Philippine Congress but the Department of Health rallied for the veto of the measure, saying vape products are harmful and not risk-free.

Source: Manila Times May 22, 2022 09:06 UTC