Philippine Health Secretary Urges Police to Regulate Underage E-cigarette Use

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Jan.17.2024

Philippine Health Secretary Urges Police to Regulate Underage E-cigarette Use

Philippine Health Secretary Teddy Herbosa has requested the national police to ensure that minors cannot access e-cigarettes or vapes.

In a report by gmanetwork on January 16th, it was stated that the Philippine Health Secretary, Teddy Herbosa, has requested the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure that minors are unable to access e-cigarettes or vaporizers.

During a press conference, Hervosa expressed concern over the escalating use of e-cigarettes among teenagers, emphasizing the health risks associated with nicotine consumption on the human body, regardless of whether it is through tobacco or e-cigarettes.

He stated, "Our tobacco usage has decreased from 29.7% in 2009 to 19%... possibly due to taxation on tobacco. The tobacco use among teenagers has also dropped from 22% in 2007 to just 12% in 2019. The concern is that the use of e-cigarettes is on the rise. It wasn't the case before, but now the usage rate among teenagers has reached 14%.

The Minister of Health stated that according to the law, only individuals aged 18 and above are allowed to use e-cigarettes. However, he expressed concern regarding the sale of e-cigarettes to minors in various regions, even openly.

As a result, Hebosha stated that he has sent a letter to the Philippine National Police seeking assistance. He emphasized the responsibility of parents in preventing their children from using e-cigarettes.

He stated, "I have actually written a letter to the Philippine National Police, urging them to enforce the law and ensure that none of these minors are able to use e-cigarettes."

In May 2023, the Philippine National Police announced their intention to investigate minors who smoke and use e-cigarettes outside of schools. They also issued a warning that if children do not heed their advice, their e-cigarettes will be confiscated.

References:

[1] Herbosa urges PNP to ensure minors don"t have access to vape

Also Read:

[1] Philippine Health Minister Seeks Police Help in Enforcing E-cigarette Ban

#Law enforcement #Asia #Open system e-cigarettes #Philippines #Nicotine-free e-cigarettes #E-cigarette #E-cigarettes and Tobacco #Health

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

BAT leaders caution that EU tax hikes may recreate Australia’s ‘black market expansion’ scenario.

BAT execs warn that steep EU tax hikes on cigarettes and alternatives could spur an Australia-style surge in illicit tobacco, arguing smugglers profit even if 24 of 25 containers are seized; the European Commission disputes this view.

Oct.14

Lawmakers Clash as Mexico Moves to Criminalize Sale and Promotion of Vapes

Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies Health Commission has approved a bill establishing a total ban on vapes and e-cigarettes, with penalties ranging from one to eight years in prison and fines between Mex$11,000 and Mex$226,000 (USD ≈$600–$12,300). The proposal sparked controversy among opposition lawmakers, who argued that the legislation criminalizes users rather than focusing on regulation and prevention.

Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Spain to Tighten E-Cigarette Regulation: Public-Place Ban, Advertising Limits, Flavour Controls

Spain is advancing a 2025 Anti-Tobacco Law to align e-cigs with tobacco, tighten public-use/advertising/flavour rules, study phasing out disposables; cannabinoid, nicotine-free vapes are rising.

Oct.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Singapore Sentences Malaysian Lorry Driver to 27 Weeks Over Cross-Border Vape Smuggling

A 32-year-old Malaysian driver, Mohammad Fakaruddin Mohd Rosli, was sentenced to 27 weeks’ jail after pleading guilty to smuggling more than 14,000 vapes and components into Singapore and later attempting to leave the country illegally by hiding in another lorry’s cargo hold.