Officials urge the Philippines to prioritize smoke-free and e-cigarette-free spaces

Local government officials across the Philippines are calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Prior to its State of the Nation Address, House Bill 9603, the proposed Smoke-Free and E-Cigarette-Free Environment Act, was recognized as an urgent proposal.
The bill would set national standards for tobacco-free and e-cigarette-free public places and workplaces, strengthen enforcement, and fund local implementation without banning cigarettes or e-cigarette products altogether.
The proposal was supported by provincial governors, mayors and health officials, who argued that national legislation was needed to consolidate local smoke-free regulations. Supporters also want to eliminate indoor smoking and vaping zones, expand smoke-free zones, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and increase penalties for violations.
The push comes four years after the entry into force of the Philippine Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulatory Act, and comes amid ongoing debate over teenage e-cigarette use and exposure to second-hand smoke.