Health experts urge science-based vape rules

Health advocates, academics, and industry stakeholders urged lawmakers to craft vape regulations based on scientific evidence while intensifying efforts against the growing black market for illegal products. The Senate Committee on Health and Demography and the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship held a joint hearing to review proposed amendments to Republic Act 11900. Quit for Good president Dr. Lorenzo Mata emphasized that the focus should be on people rather than products, arguing that combustion, not nicotine, is the primary source of harmful chemicals. Citing a 2025 comparative study, Mata noted that heated tobacco products showed significantly lower concentrations of harmful compounds than conventional cigarettes, with reductions reaching up to 91.6 percent. However, he stressed that smoke-free alternatives are not risk-free and should remain subject to strict regulation, including age restrictions and product standards. Professor Michael Eric Castillo of CAPS and Partners cautioned against overly complex rules that could create administrative burdens and lead to uneven enforcement. He warned that excessive restrictions might drive consumers away from regulated products and into the illicit market. Concerns over illegal vape products were a key issue, with legitimate retailers and e-commerce platforms calling for stronger enforcement against unauthorized sellers.

(Source：The Manila Times)