Senator Cayetano said she had pushed for higher taxes on heated tobacco products (HTPs), Electronic Nicotine/Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS/ENNDS) and vapes, citing experts who argue that these products cause more harm and cannot be considered ‘effective cessation devices.’
Following President Rodrigo Duterte’s hardline stance on vaping, reports of policemen inspecting vape stores with some even confiscating items have sent jitters both to vape users and sellers.
Various groups believe that a pending Senate measure to raise taxes on alcohol and e-cigarettes will be vital to discourage the consumption of such products, particularly by the youth, which they believed was being targeted by e-cigarettes and heated tobacco through various flavors including candy and fruit inspired variants.
The Health Department reminds the public that vaping is not a safer alternative to smoking.