Health advocates seek tougher tobacco laws to protect Filipino youth

MANILA, Philippines — Public health advocates, medical societies and tobacco-control groups have urged Congress to advance a comprehensive legislative agenda aimed at preventing Filipino children and adolescents from becoming addicted to tobacco and nicotine products.

Health advocates expressed concern over the growing popularity of vapes, electronic smoking devices and other novel nicotine products among young people.

They said flavors, attractive packaging and online promotions help make these products appealing to younger consumers.

The Philippines’ 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey found that 14.1 percent of students ages 13 to 15 currently used electronic cigarettes, including 20.9 percent of boys and 7.5 percent of girls, according to a World Health Organization fact sheet.

The coalition called for stronger protections around schools and wider smoke-free and vape-free coverage in public spaces.

It also sought higher tobacco and nicotine taxes, tougher action against illicit trade and standardized or plain packaging designed to reduce product appeal.

Among the measures supported by the coalition is Senate Bill No. 29, or the proposed No HTPs and Vapes in School Act.

Filed by Sen. Pia Cayetano on July 2, 2025, the bill would prohibit the possession and use of heated tobacco and vapor products, including their consumables and devices, in all educational institutions.

Senate records list the measure as pending in committee since July 29, 2025.

The coalition also backed House Bill No. 9603, principally authored by Albay First District Rep. Cielo Krisel Lagman.

The measure would establish smoke-free and vape-free environments in public places and workplaces by amending Republic Act No. 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, and Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.

House records show that House Bill No. 9603 was filed on June 1, 2026, read on June 3 and referred to the Committee on Health, where it remains pending.

Dr. Maria Encarnita “Maricar” Limpin, executive director of Action on Smoking and Health Philippines, said tobacco and nicotine companies continue to change their products and marketing strategies.

She said that evolution has made comprehensive public health policies more important.

“Protecting Filipino children and young people requires a comprehensive approach—from school-zone protections and smoke-free environments to taxation, anti-illicit trade measures, and standardized packaging that removes product appeal,” Limpin said.

Roberto Del Rosario, president of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines, stressed the need to keep schools and other youth-centered spaces free from tobacco and nicotine marketing and sales.

Lagman said stronger smoke-free and vape-free laws were essential to public health protection.

She emphasized that every Filipino has the right to breathe clean air.

Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo, executive director of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance, said regional experience has shown that higher taxes, standardized packaging, comprehensive advertising bans and strong enforcement can reduce tobacco use and discourage young people from starting.

Medical organizations also warned about the long-term health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine addiction.

These groups included the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, Philippine Heart Association and Philippine Pediatric Society.

They called for stronger safeguards for children and adolescents.

The coalition said youth protections, smoke-free laws, taxation, measures against illicit trade, standardized packaging and comprehensive advertising bans should be pursued as one cohesive public health strategy.

It said coordinated action was needed to reduce tobacco and nicotine use, prevent related deaths and diseases, and protect future generations from addiction.