Public health groups ask government to run after illegal vape products
Public health groups urge authorities to intensify crackdowns on illegal vape products rather than imposing excessive restrictions on regulated alternatives.Summary
Public health groups, led by Dr. Lorenzo Mata of Quit for Good, urged lawmakers to prioritize stronger enforcement against illegal vape products and black-market sellers over broader restrictions that could harm compliant businesses. During a Senate hearing on the Vape Law, Mata emphasized that smoking remains a major public health burden and that smoke-free alternatives should be viewed as tools for adult smokers who cannot quit nicotine entirely. He presented a 2025 comparative study showing that smoke-free products produce far lower levels of harmful chemicals than conventional cigarettes, with concentrations decreasing by up to 91.6%. Mata stressed that while these products are not risk-free and are meant for adult smokers, strong safeguards like age restrictions are necessary to protect youth. Professor Michael Eric Castillo of CAPS and Partners also cautioned against proposed measures, warning that restrictions on online sales and advertising could be difficult to enforce and might drive consumers toward illicit markets, ultimately undermining public health objectives.
(Source：Manila Bulletin)
