DOH Declares False Vape Marketing as Top Enemy Amid Rising Consumption
The Department of Health (DOH) has officially attributed the alarming surge in vape users across the Philippines to the deceptive marketing tactics employed by the tobacco and vape industry. In a video message delivered on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, DOH Health Promotion Bureau Director Maria Kristina May Marasigan emphasized that the National Government views these strategies as its foremost adversary in public health.
Deceptive Claims and Public Health Threats
Director Marasigan highlighted specific false claims propagated by the industry, which mislead consumers into believing that vaping is a healthier alternative to traditional smoking. "The industry promotes vape as 'a healthy alternative' and claims it is 'without nicotine.' They encourage people to 'switch to vape, it's healthier,' but these are entirely false statements," she stated. These misleading assertions have contributed significantly to the growing prevalence of vape use, undermining public health efforts.
Marasigan further explained that these fraudulent marketing approaches are deliberately designed to deceive the public. "Their fake marketing strategies are our enemies. We are being fooled, and that is precisely why vape consumption is increasing at such a rapid pace," she added, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
Call for Local Government Action and National Support
In response to this escalating crisis, the DOH is actively urging Local Government Units (LGUs) to enact local ordinances that prohibit the sale and use of vape products within their jurisdictions. Marasigan appealed to public servants to implement a total ban on vape, emphasizing their critical role in translating national policies into actionable local measures.
"We ask our public servants for a total ban on vape. You hold the key to bringing local policies to life through ordinances in your jurisdiction," she asserted. Marasigan stressed that while national laws exist, their enforcement at the local level is essential to effectively combat the proliferation of vape use. She warned, "There are laws at the national level that need enforcement. But until this is implemented at the local level, the Philippines will continue to be poisoned by these products."
Alignment with Regional Health Initiatives
This directive from the DOH follows recent remarks by Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who advocated for the Philippines to align with the actions taken by eight other Southeast Asian nations in opposing vape. Secretary Herbosa has called on lawmakers to pass comprehensive legislation that bans the sale and use of vape products nationwide, reinforcing the department's commitment to curbing this public health threat.
The combined efforts of the DOH, LGUs, and legislative bodies aim to create a unified front against the tobacco and vape industry's misleading practices. By implementing strict local ordinances and supporting national bans, the Philippines seeks to protect its citizens from the harmful effects of vaping and reduce its growing consumption rates.
