Smoking in Philippines
The Philippines legally allows cigarettes for sale, smoke, and import for trade with some restrictions and regulations. While tobacco advertising is regulated, there is not a complete ban on all forms of advertising. Cigarettes can be purchased both online and from vending machines. However, the law requires health warnings on all packaging, sets a minimum age of 18 years for sales, and includes legal restrictions on smoking in public places, such as healthcare and educational facilities. Cigarettes are subject to a 39.86% specific excise tax, and the total taxation rate is 50.57%. Tobacco smoking remains a significant public health concern in the Philippines. As of 2024, the current prevalence of smoking among adults aged 15 years and older was 19.7%, with a notable gender disparity. The current prevalence of smoking was 35.6% among males and 4.2% among females in 2024. The total number of smokers was reported to be approximately 16.3 million individuals in 2024. Comparing these figures to earlier data from 2021, the smoking prevalence among males was 33.3%, while among females it was 3.7%. The adult daily smoking prevalence in 2021 was 14.5%, with a prevalence of 26.3% among males and 2.6% among females. Smoking-related mortalities are a critical public health issue in the Philippines. 88,169 deaths were attributable to smoking in 2021, accounting for 10% of all deaths in the country in that year. The data also indicate that smoking-related deaths comprised 13.34% of all male deaths and 5.26% of all female deaths in 2021 in the country. These statistics underscore the urgent need for effective public health interventions to address the high smoking rates and associated health consequences in the Philippines.
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March 17, 2026 by rappler.com
DOH, health experts push for total vape ban to protect youth
Vape products confiscated by the Department of Trade and Industry in the Philippines are destroyed. The Department of Health urges a total ban on vaping to protect youth health. Health experts propose stricter regulations on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Cases of vaping-related lung injuries and rising youth usage are concerning. Experts highlight the deceptive marketing tactics targeting children. Regulations are seen as inadequate, with sellers evading restrictions. Former health officials support a total vape ban to prevent the Philippines from being a dumping ground for rejected products. The Senate is considering increasing the age restriction for these products.
March 17, 2026 by bworldonline.com
DoH pushes for total ban on e-cigarettes, vape products
The Department of Health urges a complete ban on e-cigarettes and vaping to address regulatory loopholes. Current restrictions are ineffective in preventing youth access. A unified tax and age limit of 25 are proposed as interim measures. In ASEAN, eight countries have already banned vape products. A suggestion is for the regulation of vapes and heated tobacco to return to the Department of Health and the FDA due to health concerns. The Department of Trade and Industry, currently regulating these products, has seized HTPs worth P519 million. Age restrictions may increase to 21.
September 12, 2025 by inquirer.net
WHO urged to embrace harm reduction in tobacco convention
International experts, including from the Philippines, are urging delegates to the WHO tobacco control meeting in November 2025 to back harm reduction. In a joint statement, they called on the WHO FCTC to fully integrate harm reduction into tobacco control, stressing that “combustion kills, not nicotine.” The appeal was made during a September 3 briefing in Makati City, organized by the Consumer Choice Center.
August 25, 2025 by scandasia.com
Swedish experience drives smoke-free future in Asia
Sweden's successful move towards becoming smoke-free is influencing Asia, particularly the Philippines, where Japan Tobacco International (JTI) introduced nicotine pouches. With only 5.4% daily smokers in Sweden, the country attributes this to strict regulations and alternative options. JTI's Nordic Spirit, produced in Sweden, has gained popularity in the Philippines. JTI focuses on former smokers in Sweden, with positive results. The Philippines' familiarity with oral products made Nordic Spirit well-received. JTI tailored the product for the local market with affordable pricing. This initiative competes with other similar products, signaling a potential shift in global tobacco trends and a new direction for Asian markets.
July 30, 2025 by panaynews.net
Unified front pushed vs smoking among WV youth
The Department of Health in Western Visayas is escalating efforts to combat the growing use of e-cigarettes among youths, collaborating with schools and local governments to enforce anti-smoking and anti-vaping measures. They are alarmed by the appeal of flavored e-cigarettes and aggressive marketing targeting young people. Both smoking and vaping pose health risks, including chronic lung problems and addiction. Efforts involve strict enforcement of national laws and initiatives like the MPOWER strategy. DOH-6 also leads the Tobacco Control Leadership program to empower local leaders. Recognizing municipalities with smoke-free environments, they emphasize the importance of collective action from schools, communities, and government for effective tobacco control.
June 24, 2025 by manilatimes.net
Smoke-free brand rethinks nicotine, harm reduction
Nicotine isn't the main smoking risk; tobacco combustion is. Philip Morris' Iqos warms, not burns, tobacco to reduce harmful chemicals. In the Philippines, awareness is growing through education and the "Forever Curious" campaign. Launched in 2014, Iqos focuses on engaging consumers and promoting better alternatives to traditional smoking. With close to 150,000 users in the Philippines, understanding the product is crucial. The brand's global event in Milan highlights its innovative approach and commitment to transformation.
June 03, 2025 by manilastandard.net
PH eyes Swedish model to reduce smoking harm
Sweden is hailed as a leading example in tobacco harm reduction, with low smoking rates attributed to snus and nicotine pouches. JTI Sweden showcases its oral nicotine products and cutting-edge technologies. The company's Nordic Snus brand competes in the market, while JTI Philippines prioritizes harm reduction with products like Nordic Spirit. The country's success in reducing smoking rates is noted, with nicotine pouches seen as effective alternatives for quitting smoking. Sweden's low smoking prevalence and health outcomes compared to the EU average are highlighted. The Philippines, with high smoking rates, presents a promising market for reduced-risk products like nicotine pouches, showing a growing demand for alternatives.
May 21, 2025 by philstar.com
‘Vape products should be taxed higher than cigarettes’
The government discussed taxing vape products higher than cigarettes due to increasing youth consumption. BIR suggested different tax rates for vapes to prevent revenue loss. Concerns over vape use by adolescents were raised, with a 40% increase since 2021. Measures like excise stamps were implemented to regulate vape products. Senate deliberations include proposals to amend tobacco excise taxes to address illicit trade. PMFTC recommended an odd-even tax scheme for tobacco products to enhance revenue. Enforcement against illicit trade is considered crucial over tax adjustments. The aim is to balance tax rates while combating illegal activities in the industry.
March 12, 2025 by pia.gov.ph
Regulating the growing e-cigarette industry
The Philippines has seen an increase in e-cigarette use among young people despite the introduction of the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act (RA 11900) in 2022. E-cigarettes are devices that simulate smoking by producing vapor instead of smoke. The new regulations govern the import, sale, distribution, and use of these products, aiming to reduce the health risks associated with vaping and smoking.
February 25, 2025 by philstar.com
‘Smoke-free products can save the lives of hardened smokers’
Smoke-free products like vapes and heated tobacco can save hardened smokers' lives by offering a less harmful way to consume nicotine. Reuven Zimlichman, an Israeli cardiologist, highlights that while nicotine is addictive, the true health risks come from tobacco combustion. He suggests that alternatives without burning tobacco, like heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes, could significantly reduce harm. Zimlichman emphasizes the potential of these innovations in reducing smoking-related diseases and cites a study linking smoke-free products to a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
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