CAPHRA Applauds Philippine’s Vaping Measures

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) stated that it extends its full support to the Government of the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in their efforts to protect consumers and prevent youth access to vaping products.

However, instead of ending online sales CAPHRA advocates for greater enforcement of existing laws to prevent youth access to vaping products and ensure the appropriate collection of taxes. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently suspended the online sale of vape products, citing concerns about youth access and tax evasion.

“While the intention behind the suspension is commendable, CAPHRA believes that a more effective approach would be to enhance enforcement measures rather than imposing outright bans that could inadvertently drive consumers back to more harmful combustible tobacco products,” stated Clarisse Virgino, a leading tobacco harm reduction expert from the Philippines and member of CAPHRA.

“CAPHRA supports the government’s efforts to crack down on illegal sales to minors and urges for increased penalties and surveillance to ensure compliance, under the existing Vape Law, or Republic Act No. 11900.”

CAPHRA is aware that too many importers and retailers are failing to register for and pay the appropriate taxes, leading to significant revenue losses for the government.

“With appropriate enforcement of internal revenue stamps for vape products by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, these concerns can be overcome,” Virgino stated in an emailed release. “We need to ensure that all vape products in the market are properly taxed and that violators face strict penalties.”