Smoking in Philippines
In the Philippines, tobacco smoking remains a significant public health concern. As of 2024, the current prevalence of smoking among adults aged 15 years and older was estimated to be 19.7%, with a notable gender disparity. The current prevalence of smoking was 35.6% among males and 4.2% among females. 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. 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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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.
March 06, 2024 by mb.com.ph
'Vape pa more'! DOH records cases of lung injuries among minors due to e-cigarettes, seeks PNP's help
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa sought on Wednesday, March 6, the assistance of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure that minors will have no access to e-cigarettes amid cases of young Filipinos suffering from lung injuries. Herbosa said he specifically asked PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. to ensure that the specific provision of the Republic Act 11900 relating to the prohibition to sell vapes to people below 18 years old is strictly implemented.
February 22, 2024 by mb.com.ph
Marcoleta distraught as Cayetano rant puts 3 million Filipino livelihoods at risk
“I’d rather have one thousand Dirty Ashtrays (award) than one coffin to contain the whole tobacco industry, including the farmers and stakeholders who are depending on the tobacco industry in our country,” Marcoleta said during his February 19 privilege speech. “While the state is conscious and responsible in maintaining the health of its citizens, it should also do so mindful of the general welfare of the people, especially the stakeholders of the tobacco industry. Our two laws advocate for balanced policies,” he said.
February 12, 2024 by 24shareupdates.com
International anti-smoking advocates defend Philippines in WHO conference
International anti-smoking advocates have defended the Philippines against criticisms for its endorsement of state policies aimed at ending smoking in the country. The Philippines recently received a "Dirty Ashtray" award from the Global Alliance on Tobacco Control (GATC) for its support of tobacco harm reduction at a conference convened by the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Advocates argue that attacking the country for promoting life-saving alternatives to lethal cigarettes is authoritarian and moralistic.
January 17, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com
WHO Report ‘Unscientific”: Mata
A public health advocacy group based in the Philippines has criticized the latest report of the World Health Organization on the use of electronic cigarettes, saying the global body undermines the significant progress made in public health over the past two decades as smokers transitioned to smoke-free products. Lorenzo Mata Jr., president of Quit for Good, said the WHO’s continued demonization of e-cigarettes disregards the wealth of scientific evidence demonstrating that smoke-free alternatives such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and snus have helped millions of smokers in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan and Sweden successfully quit smoking.