The Philippine E-Cigarette Bill has strong support from key enforcement agencies as it will regulate smoke-free products in the country, provide a less harmful alternative to the more than 16 million Filipino adult smokers and protect minors.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it fully supports the regulation of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and other novel tobacco products (e-cigarette products).

"E-cigarette products can be used as an alternative or a useful means of transitioning from consumption of traditional tobacco products to less harmful ones," former DTI secretary Ramon Lopez said in a recommendation to the Executive Secretary's Office for approval .

Also supporting the vaping bill are the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Defense (DND). They expressed support for the bill in response to Malacañang's request for comments and recommendations on omnibus House Bill 9007 and Senate Bill 2239.

The registered act aims to regulate the import, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use and dissemination of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, as well as novel tobacco products.

Research on the prevalence of tobacco use shows that 16.6 million adults or 23.8% of the Filipino population are reported to be tobacco users of any form.

DTI said: "Research shows that the use of vaping products can help reduce smoking rates, and the bill provides a less harmful alternative while supporting regulatory equality with cigarettes."

"Maintaining its stance on tobacco product regulation, rather than a blanket ban, to prevent the proliferation of illicit trade; and consistent with its mission of consumer protection and policies to ensure a balance of interests for all stakeholders, DTI believes that vaping products can Used as an alternative or useful means of transitioning from consumption of traditional tobacco products to less harmful ones," the agency said.

"Regulation of vaping products as novel consumer products is consistent with DTI's overall mandate and ability to protect consumers and establish product standards under Republic Act 7394 or the Philippine Consumer Act and RA 4109 or the Philippine Standards Act," it said.

About 2.18 million Filipino farmers, workers and laborers depend on the tobacco industry, figures cited by the DTI show. It said the bill would support the livelihoods of those economically dependent on the local tobacco industry and would help keep the industry afloat. "Therefore, the bill clearly provides a regulatory framework to ensure that taxes are collected from vaping products, thereby contributing revenue to the national coffers," the DTI said.

The PhilTobacco Growers Association, Inc., which represents more than 50,000 tobacco farmers in northern Luzon, called for passage of an e-cigarette bill to ensure their livelihoods in a letter to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

Farmers say most of these products are imported, and farmers in other countries are the beneficiaries of the industry.

Former DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Ano also said his department supported approval of the bill because it regulates the import, distribution, manufacture, packaging, sale and use of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products.

"Regulation of vaping and non-nicotine products will benefit our economy, especially farmers and laborers who depend on the tobacco industry, and guide local government authorities to take appropriate action with respect to these vaping products," Dierger said.

It said the e-cigarette bill strengthens the Republic Act. No. 11467 and RA 11346, as it provides for penalties not found in the two measures. "The bill also adds to the existing prohibitions in RA 11467, such as the use of flavor descriptors in packaging that appeal to minors. This is on top of the flavor bans found in the aforementioned laws," it said.

Former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also expressed support for the registration bill’s intent to promote a healthy environment, protect citizens from any potential harm caused by smoking, and ensure sales to minors as well as VNNP and its Illicit trade in equipment is legal.

Former Secretary of Labor Silvestre Bello III said DOLE supports passage of registration bills designed to provide substantial income, employment and livelihoods for tobacco farmers, workers and their families; increase income; regulate vaping products; and provide alternatives and transitions for smokers to reduce or quit smoking .

“Tobacco cultivation, manufacture and sale are vital economic activities that support the livelihoods of 2.7 million Filipinos, including tobacco farmers, workers and their families. This reality must be taken into account when treating and regulating this emerging industry.” Department of Labor Say.

"It will definitely bring jobs, open up new businesses and provide more jobs in the workforce," DOLE said.

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