Key Takeaways
- Position: TobaccOFF NOW! supports tighter DTI regulation but calls for a total ban on vapes and novel tobacco products
- Rationale: the group says targeting open pods and e-liquids alone could create a “behavioral loophole”
- Context: the group links its call to DOH’s Nov. 2025 push for stronger measures
- Policy step: DTI released a draft DAO proposing a ban on vape open pods and e-liquids
- Consultation: DTI is seeking feedback from stakeholders and consumers due to health and safety concerns
2Firsts, Fen 10 2026
According to Manila Bulletin, a health advocacy group said on Tuesday, Feb. 10 that it welcomed the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) proposed move to restrict harmful vape products to protect young people, but stressed that only a total ban on all vaping and novel tobacco products would effectively safeguard public health.
The report says Vonn Tanchuan, campaign lead of the TobaccOFF NOW! Movement, said the group supports tighter regulation but warned that partial restrictions could fall short of curbing nicotine use, particularly among the youth. He said the group welcomes DTI’s intention to restrict harmful vape products, but maintains that “the only definitive way to safeguard public health is through a total ban on vapes (as suggested by DOH last November 2025), along with cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches.”
The report says the group cautioned that limiting regulations to certain vape products, such as open pods and e-liquids, could create what it described as a “dangerous behavioral loophole,” allowing users—especially youth—to migrate to disposable or closed-system alternatives rather than quitting entirely.
The report adds that the TobaccOFF NOW! Movement urged the government to adopt a comprehensive approach covering all forms of novel tobacco products to prevent what it described as fragmented regulations that fail to address nicotine dependence. Tanchuan said the call echoes a proposal earlier raised by the Department of Health, which last year pushed for stronger measures against vaping and other emerging tobacco products amid concerns over public health impacts.
The report also says DTI earlier released a draft department administrative order (DAO) proposing a ban on vape open pods and e-liquids, and opened the proposed measure for public consultation, seeking feedback from stakeholders and consumers due to health and safety concerns.
Image Source: Manila Bulletin
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