Home Politics Asia The Philippines Vape Bill Includes a Flavour Ban

The Philippines Vape Bill Includes a Flavour Ban

The bicameral conference committee’s report on consolidated House Bill 9007 and Senate Bill 2239, also known as the Vape Bill, will include a measure banning the sales of youth appealing flavours.

Diane Caruana

March 7, 2022

House Bill 9007, aims to regulate the sale and manufacture of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

Last May, the House of Representatives for the Republic of the Philippines passed the Non-Combustible Nicotine Delivery Systems Regulation Act also known as House Bill 9007, aimed at regulating the sale and manufacture of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Co-authored by 154 in the 300-man chamber for the House, the bill aims to prevent e-cig sales to minors.

When HB 9007 was passed, a number of local groups applauded the passage of the and launched the successful viral campaign, “We Vape, We Vote!” which appeals to President Rodrigo Duterte to sign the Vape Bill into law.

In a letter to the President, the groups: Vapers PH, Vaper Ako, Smoke Free Conversation PH, Nicotine Consumers Union of the Philippines (NCUP), Philippine E-cigarette Industry Association (PECIA), Quit For Good, Heated Equipment as Alternative to Traditional Smoking Philippines (HEATS), PROVAPE, Philippine Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates, Inc. and Consumer Choice Philippines, plead that their voices are heard. “..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.”

Another flavour ban

Meanwhile, Rep. Sharon Garin, House Committee Chairperson for Economic Affairs and a member of the Vape Bill house bicam panel, to members of the media highlighted that the measure will include a ban on flavoured vapes. “With the passage of the Vape Bill, we are solidifying the provisions of RA 11467 and Executive Order 106 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte and in particular banning the sale of e-cigarettes with flavors other than menthol and tobacco. Under the Vape Bill, we added another ban, which is prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes with flavor descriptors that appeal to the youth. This is in addition to the flavor ban that exists today”, she said.

Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Estrellita Suansing, an avid public health advocate and one of the bill authors, said that lawmakers are very aware of the concerns related to vape flavours. “The Vape Bill is very restrictive when it comes to flavors. We understand that flavors should not be used to target minors and non-smokers. The goal has always been to reach adult Filipino smokers and convince them to use these products instead of cigarettes,” she said.

Read Further: Manila Bulletin