E-cig regulation sought

Anticipating an increase in the use of vapor products after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte expressed support to a measure to raise the excise tax on tobacco products, Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo warned the public against using vape devices, noting the products contain nicotine, which is addictive, and are not a “good” alternative to cigarettes, according to a GMA news story.

“Some people are trying to package it as a healthy alternative to tobacco or as lower risk product compared to tobacco,” Domingo was quoted as having said during a news conference.

“Vape are nicotine-containing and they are addicting.

“We do not advocate the use of vaping and we want to strictly regulate it.”

E-cigarette and vaping regulations would need legislation, but relevant bills currently remain pending in Congress.

Domingo proposed that vaping devices should be registered and checked for safety.

And the World Health Organization country representative, Dr. Gundo Weiler, earlier said that WHO supported the regulation of vaping.

Domingo said it was not known how many vape stores had opened in the country.