Smoking in Philippines
In the Philippines, tobacco smoking remains a significant public health concern. As of 2022, the prevalence of smoking among adults aged 15 years and older was estimated to be 20.4%, with a notable gender disparity. The prevalence of smoking was 36.2% among males and 4.3% among females. The total number of smokers was reported to be approximately 15.8 million individuals. 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. Furthermore, smoking-related mortalities remain a critical public health issue. In 2021, 88,169 deaths were attributed to smoking, accounting for 10% of all deaths in the country in that year. The gender-specific data indicate that smoking-related deaths comprised 13.34% of all male deaths and 5.26% of all female deaths in 2021. 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 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.
February 18, 2025 by manilastandard.net
Nicotine not carcinogenic, Israeli expert tells Filipino doctors
Professor Reuven Zimlichman highlighted that nicotine, though addictive, is not carcinogenic or a cause of heart disease. He suggested smokers consider switching to heated tobacco or vape products for harm reduction, emphasizing the benefits for cardiovascular patients. Zimlichman’s perspective, shared at the Philippine Neurological Association convention, stresses that tobacco harm reduction strategies, like smoke-free alternatives, can save lives by reducing harmful chemical exposure. Recognizing the effectiveness of such approaches in countries like Sweden, he urges a shift towards innovative solutions to combat smoking-related diseases, advocating for open-mindedness from authorities and healthcare providers in adopting tobacco harm reduction practices.
January 27, 2025 by asianews.network
A new generation of smokers: Philippine Daily Inquirer
The Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, passed in 2023, resulted in a surge of 9.5 million new smokers in the Philippines, with 1 million being adolescents. The law was intended to regulate e-cigarettes but inadvertently increased smoking rates. Lung cancer is now a major concern due to vaping, with health experts urging amendments to the law, such as raising the vaping age to 25 and restricting flavors. Various groups oppose the law, viewing it as a retrogressive measure. Urgent action is needed to reverse the harmful effects, including stricter implementation and anti-smoking campaigns covering all tobacco products.
December 19, 2024 by asianews.network
Philippine government asked to recalibrate tobacco tax rate to prevent spread of illicit trade
Economist Dr. Arthur Laffer advised the Philippines to adjust high tobacco excise taxes, causing revenue loss and increased illicit trade. Laffer suggested aligning tax rates with revenue-maximizing levels to combat declining revenue and illicit trade growth. He emphasized the need for a tax system that balances revenue needs and economic impact. Laffer praised the country's tobacco tax reforms but recommended simplifying e-cigarette taxation. He also proposed streamlining regulations in capital markets and the mining sector. Laffer warned that further tax increases could worsen revenue declines and illicit trade. By reassessing tax rates and simplifying the tax system, the Philippines can boost revenue without hindering economic growth.
December 10, 2024 by inquirer.net
PH should join other SEA nations in banning vapes, group says
HealthJustice Philippines, advocating for public health, urges the Philippines to follow its Southeast Asian neighbors in banning electronic cigarettes and vapes. Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan emphasizes the need for stronger regulations to protect citizens, especially the youth, from nicotine addiction. Several countries in the region, including Vietnam, have already implemented bans. The urgency is highlighted by the rising vaping trend among Filipino adolescents, with concerning health impacts and one recorded death. Galvez Tan calls on policymakers to take decisive action to safeguard public health and recommends stricter regulations, including an immediate ban on these products, to combat the vaping epidemic in the country.
September 18, 2024 by pna.gov.ph
BIR bans sale of cigarettes, vape products below floor price
MANILA – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently released the updated floor price of vape, cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, noting that sellers are prohibited from selling these products below the floor price. The updated floor price was contained in the BIR's Revenue Regulation (RR) 16-2024 issued on Sept. 16. "We are warning all e-marketplaces, online sellers, retail sellers, suppliers and distributors that are selling vape, cigarettes, and heated tobacco products below the floor price. This is a criminal violation penalized by imprisonment of the seller," BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said in a statement on Wednesday.
August 13, 2024 by manilatimes.net
Lawmakers urged to review vape law
The Philippine Smoke-Free Movement urges lawmakers to reconsider the Vape Regulation Law after a vape-related death. A 22-year-old athlete died from e-cigarette use, highlighting the risks of vaping. Concerns include the rise of youth vaping addiction and the failure to protect young people’s health. Advocates call for a review of Republic Act 11900 to reinstate an age restriction of 21 for e-cigarette sales and use.
June 25, 2024 by filtermag.org
Harm Reductionists Wary on New Philippines Vape Regulations
New regulations in the Philippines mandate all vaping products to be registered with the Department of Trade and Industry. These laws aim to provide safer alternatives to smoking, with around 1.6 million vapers in the country. However, concerns arise regarding potential restrictions on access and increased taxation, potentially leading vapers back to smoking. Advocates, like Clarisse Virgino and Anton Israel, acknowledge the benefits of regulation but worry about enforcement and affordability. While the Philippines leads in vape regulation in Asia, uncertainties remain about the future accessibility and choice for consumers.
April 30, 2024 by pna.gov.ph
Legislator seeks transfer of vape products regulation to FDA
AnaKalusugan Party-list Rep. Ray T. Reyes urged transferring vape regulation from the Department of Trade and Industry to the Food and Drug Administration due to concerns about vape-related lung injuries among youth. He called for a review of Republic Act 11900 and emphasized the need to enforce vaping laws, especially for minors, following a significant rise in teenage vape users. Reports of EVALI cases and minors violating smoking laws highlight the risks associated with vaping products. Reyes stressed the importance of revising regulations to prioritize public health and safety.
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