Groups urge intensified enforcement vs illegal vapes

MANILA, Philippines — Public health groups urged authorities to intensify enforcement against illegal vape products during a Senate hearing, saying the fight against illicit trade should focus on stronger crackdowns on unregulated sellers while maintaining balanced regulations for legitimate products.

The warning came amid continuing discussions on Republic Act No. 11900 before the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

Professor Michael Eric Castillo of CAPS and Partners told lawmakers that some proposed restrictions may prove difficult to implement and enforce.

“Implementation (of the proposed bill) is administratively heavy and unevenly enforceable, increasing the risk of selective enforcement,” Castillo said.

He said measures involving online sales, advertising, sponsorships, and product visibility could create compliance and enforcement challenges.

According to Castillo, limiting access to regulated alternatives may also have unintended public health consequences by discouraging adult smokers from switching away from cigarettes.

“My worry, your honor, is that (the proposed bill) may undermine its own health objectives. First, by discouraging switching from cigarettes to alternative products, and by driving users to the illicit market,” he said.

The hearing followed earlier appeals from legitimate vape retailers and e-commerce platforms for stronger action against illegal vape products and black-market operators rather than broader restrictions affecting compliant businesses.

During the hearing, Quit for Good president Dr. Lorenzo Mata emphasized the importance of considering tobacco harm reduction in policy discussions.

“In reality your honors, at the heart of this discussion are not products, but people,” Mata said.

Mata noted that scientific evidence points to combustion, or the burning of tobacco, as the principal source of harmful chemicals associated with smoking-related illnesses.

He stressed that smoke-free alternatives should be viewed in the context of adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking cigarettes.

“Let me be clear: these products are not risk-free, and they are not for youth or non-smokers. These products are meant for adult smokers. That is why regulation is critical,” he said.

Mata also presented findings from a 2025 study comparing heated tobacco products and conventional cigarettes.

“This study published in 2025, is a comparative study of heated tobacco products versus conventional cigarette smoke and shows that ‘burning’ causes the release of toxic compounds produced by high-temperature pyrolysis. Concentrations of harmful compounds decreased by up to 91.6%, confirming the reduction of levels of various known toxic and carcinogenic chemical components in the shift from cigarettes to smoke-free products,” he said.

He added that youth protection measures should remain a priority.

“Strong safeguards, such as age restrictions, product standards, and enforcement, can help protect the youth while ensuring adult smokers have access to smoke-free products,” he said.

“I invite fellow health advocates and officials to review the materials. Because in order for us to have genuine evidence-based dialogue, this is the only way we can do that,” he added.