The so-called e-cigarette bill was enacted into law in the Philippines. The measure aims to regulate the import, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use and dissemination of vapor and heated tobacco products.

Importantly, the bill focuses on imposing age restrictions over the age of 18 to ensure adult smokers have access to non-combustible alternatives to smoking.

Liza Katsiashvili, Community Manager, World Vaping Alliance said:

“While most policymakers have been misled and opposed to e-cigarette use, the Philippines is on the right track to save lives by adopting e-cigarettes as an effective harm reduction innovation. Other countries should follow this example and support Smart vaping policy to ensure improved public health for millions of consumers around the world.”

The bill, introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto, indicates that the state's priority is to pursue a harm reduction strategy that focuses on smoking cessation for adult consumers. This announcement is a huge victory for the Philippine vaping community.

In the Philippines, smoking kills nearly 100,000 smokers every year. Progressive public health policies focused on safer nicotine consumption are reducing the chances of disease and mortality, thereby improving the quality of life for thousands of individuals living in the Philippines.

Several local vaping associations have been campaigning to support the vaping bill. These include WVA partners from the Nicotine Consumer Alliance of the Philippines (NCUP). Anton Israel, founder of NCUP, said:

“E-cigarette users in the Philippines are celebrating a huge victory! We believe that the E-Cigarette Act is a healthcare strategy that promotes consumer choice and the opportunity for smokers to enjoy safer alternatives to combustible tobacco. The government’s decision to encourage and Instead of preventing it, there will be huge public health benefits to the country."

The World Alliance of E-Cigarette Users supports the Philippine Senate's decision to embrace life-saving innovation and ensure less harmful nicotine-delivery products are available to consumers, creating an opportunity to dramatically improve public health and save thousands of lives over the years.