Filipino Vapors Appeal to Duterte to Sign Vape Bill

Several consumer and harm reduction advocacy groups claiming to represent 16 million Filipino smokers and 1 million vapers, praised the country’s Congress for the passage of the Vaporized Nicotine Products Bill, and appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to sign the bill into law.

Vapers PH, Vaper Ako, Smoke Free Conversation PH, Nicotine Consumers Union of the Philippines, Philippine E-cigarette Industry Association, Quit For Good, Heated Equipment as Alternative to Traditional Smoking Philippines, PROVAPE, Philippine Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates Inc. and Consumer Choice Philippines, stated in a letter to the Duterte that, “with the growing positive scientific evidence coupled with our life-changing experiences, our resolve is stronger that vaping saves lives.”

“We earnestly hope you would consider our humble plea Mr. President and sign the Vape Bill into law,” the groups wrote, according to the Manilla Standard.

The Vape Bill bans the sale to and use by minors of vape products, and the sale, advertising and promotion of vape products within 100 meters of school perimeter and playground. Use of flavor descriptors that unduly appeal to minors in vape products and the display of vape products immediately next to products of particular interest to minors are prohibited. Persons who violate the provisions will be penalized with a fine or imprisonment.

Congress is expected to hold a bicameral conference committee this month to unify the Senate and the House of Representatives’ versions of the bill. The version approved by the committee will be sent to the president for his approval and signature.