Senator calls for unified action to regulate tobacco, vape

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

This, after the Philippines received its fifth “Dirty Ashtray Award” during the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Conference of the Parties. (Pexels photo)

MANILA – Senator Pia Cayetano on Thursday called for stronger regulatory measures and a unified stance against reported irregularities in the tobacco and vape industries.

This, after the Philippines received its fifth “Dirty Ashtray Award” during the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Conference of the Parties.

Cayetano, who chairs the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon), wanted clarity on the roles of agencies in implementing the Vape Law and ensuring the protection of public health.

“The Department of Trade and Industry, while tasked under the Vape Law with regulating product safety, lacks the capacity and expertise to handle the health safety components of vape regulation,” she said, highlighting the agency’s inability to test consumables and chemical content, unlike the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

During the previous hearings, the panel determined DTI’s limitations which can only test devices, batteries, and chargers but lacks the expertise to evaluate chemical safety.

Cayetano said the FDA has pharmacists, toxicologists and specialists capable of rigorous safety testing.

The Department of Health (DOH), Cayetano said, should lead future delegations to ensure public health interests are prioritized.

“The delegation must be headed by the DOH to advocate for public health policies and fulfill our obligations under the FCTC,” she said.

Cayetano also called for the aligning of government programs to protect vulnerable sectors, particularly the youth, from tobacco use.

“Every agency must work in the same direction. Otherwise, we are wasting public funds, which is a crime,” she said.

The senator also criticized the tobacco industry for undermining public health policies through “misinformation, aggressive marketing, and lobbying efforts.”

“These slimy tactics have existed for decades and are designed to delay regulation, create loopholes, and normalize harmful products,” Cayetano said.