The House of Representatives approved on the third and final reading, House Bill 9007 or the proposed Non-Combustible Nicotine Delivery Systems Act on May 25. This act seeks to regulate the use, manufacture, sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco systems such as vapes.
The bill was passed with 192 of 300 representatives voting for its approval while 34 voted against and 4 abstained.
Moreover, this sets the minimum age for use of e-cigarettes to 18 years old. Currently, the minimum age of using e-cigarettes is 21 years old. This provision was the most contested part of the bill as many representatives believed that it would do more harm than good in lowering the age restriction.
Kabataan Representative Sarah Elago states that this could only further nicotine addiction in the country.
“This youth representation proposes that the age of access restriction be raised to 25 years instead in light of new studies and evidence which suggest that young persons below the age of 25 are highly likely to retain nicotine addiction. This could only perpetuate the nicotine addiction in the country,” said Elago.
Meanwhile ACT Teachers Representative suggests ultimately banning smoking altogether as this contradicts the health advisories given by the Department of Health and Food and Drug Administration.
“As thousands of frontliners in our public and private health system literally put their lives at stake in the battle against coronavirus infection and transmission, here is Congress approving a bill that will significantly increase the people who use and will become addicted to a vice that compromises their respiratory health and immunity,” added Castro.
Even medical professionals have stated their qualms about the use of e-cigarettes as it has never been proven to be a healthier alternative to regular cigarettes, contrary to popular belief. Additionally, there are various diseases and health complications tied to e-cigarette consumption as people can get throat irritation to severe risks such as cancer and strokes.
“Why would you replace one addiction with another addiction?… Based on studies, consumers usually finish two pods a day. This is equivalent to 40 cigarettes, so where is the step down there?” said Dr. Corry Avanceña, a pediatric pulmonologist from the Philippine Pediatric Society, Inc in a forum on May 31 by ImagineLaw to mark World No Tobacco Day.
According to the 2015 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), 16.6 million adults are tobacco users.
Doctors fear that when the legal age to smoke is lowered, more members of the youth will be exposed to the vice. They said that the bill is pushing down efforts for healthier communities.
The bill also prohibits the sale or distribution of sale within 100 meters from any point of the perimeter of a school, playground, or other facility frequented by minors. If the bill becomes a law, violators will be fined with P500,000 to P1 Million and can be imprisoned for five years or less.