Asia-Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates Urge Duterte to Sign Vaping Bill
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) has written to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, urging him to immediately sign the Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act into law. Both the Philippine Senate and House of Re
The Asia-Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) has written to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, urging him to urgently sign the Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act into law.<\/div>
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Both the Senate and House of Representatives in the Philippines have approved a unified version of the bill, which will regulate the use, manufacture, import, sale, distribution, and promotion of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. It is now awaiting the president's signature or veto.<\/div>
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CAPHRA, with the support of its expert advisory group and member organizations across the Asia-Pacific region, stated: “The importance of scientific evidence suggests that making this behavior law could save thousands of lives in the Philippines.”<\/div>
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CAPHRA informed Duterte that once enacted, this legislation would provide the world’s most effective smoking cessation tools for 16 million Filipino smokers, saving millions of lives among Filipino smokers and improving the health of their families, friends, and colleagues.<\/div>
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“Hundreds of peer-reviewed international scientific studies have found that innovative smoke-free products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are far less harmful than combustible tobacco and provide the best options for smokers to switch or quit,” wrote Nancy Lucas, CAPHRA’s Executive Coordinator. “This bill will ensure that these products are regulated to meet government standards that protect consumers and contribute revenue through taxation.”<\/div>
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The letter stated that signing this bill into law and allowing Filipino smokers to choose less harmful alternative nicotine products would leave a lasting legacy for the president. It would demonstrate to the world that Duterte is a leader who bases decisions on science, prioritizing the health and well-being of the people over the special interests of foreigners.<\/div>
