Philippine public health groups urge an absolute ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products

Key Takeaways

Philippine public health groups are calling for a total ban on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and other nicotine delivery products

The appeal follows Myanmar’s adoption of a total vape ban, making it the eighth ASEAN country with such a measure

Advocates noted lawmakers are still debating tax rates for vapes and other nicotine delivery products

Countries cited as having comprehensive bans include Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam

Speakers argued taxation may deter use, but a total ban is positioned as the strongest public health measure and a clearer regulatory approach

2Firsts, February 28, 2026

According to Philstar，Philippine public health groups urged the government to impose an absolute ban on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and other nicotine delivery products, citing health harms and increasing accessibility, particularly among young people. The appeal came after Myanmar became the eighth ASEAN country to implement a total vape ban, amid ongoing deliberations in the Philippine Congress on tobacco and vape taxation.

HealthJustice board member and former health secretary Jaime Galvez Tan (Jaime Galvez Tan) said legislators are still debating tax rates for vapes and other nicotine delivery products while Myanmar and other ASEAN countries have adopted comprehensive bans. He said the groups support higher and uniform taxes across tobacco products as a step toward restriction, but maintained that a comprehensive ban would provide the strongest protection for public health and deliver administrative and regulatory clarity. Tan also cited Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam as having implemented comprehensive vape bans, adding that the Philippines “can, too.”

SEATCA executive director Ulysses Dorotheo (Ulysses Dorotheo) said e-cigarettes are marketed as harm-reduction and cessation tools, but described e-cigarette liquids and aerosols as toxic. He cited risks associated with nicotine and inhaled components such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings, and said that while higher taxes can discourage consumption, a total ban is the strongest measure to curb what he described as a worsening tobacco and vape epidemic.

The report also referenced 2019 and 2021 data cited in the text on youth and adult e-cigarette use, as well as survey findings on youth perceptions and reasons for use, including using e-cigarettes to reduce or quit smoking.

Image Source：Philstar