Health advocates in the Philippines are intensifying their call for a complete prohibition of vape products, stating that such a move is entirely achievable if the government demonstrates sufficient political will. This strong stance comes in direct support of a recent proposal by the Department of Health (DOH).
Advocates Rally Behind DOH Proposal for Prohibition
The non-profit organization Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Philippines has thrown its full weight behind the idea of a total ban on vaping. Dr. Maricar Limpin, a prominent figure from ASH Philippines, emphasized this position in an interview on Monday, December 1, 2025. She expressed strong support for Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa's recent statements advocating for the prohibition.
"We are very supportive of what Secretary Herbosa said about a total ban on vapes. We will definitely push for that call," Limpin stated. She argued that the current approach of regulating vape products has proven to be a failure, particularly in preventing widespread use among young Filipinos.
Regulation Deemed a Failure, Ban is the Solution
According to Limpin, the attempt to control vaping through regulations has been ineffective. The prevalence of violations and the difficulty in enforcing existing rules have led advocates to conclude that a total ban is the only viable solution to protect public health.
"If it can't be regulated properly, let's just ban it so there's no problem with violations. There are a lot of violations. Let's just ban it so there's no more problem," she explained. This perspective highlights a significant shift in strategy, moving from controlled access to complete elimination of the products from the market.
Government Criticism of "Deceptive" Marketing
The push for a ban follows Secretary Herbosa's criticism last week of what he described as the "deceptive" marketing tactics employed by vape manufacturers. He specifically targeted claims positioning vaping as a safer alternative to traditional cigarette smoking, suggesting these strategies mislead the public.
The convergence of views between the health department and leading advocacy groups like ASH Philippines creates a powerful coalition. Their shared message is clear: a total vape ban is feasible and necessary, hinging primarily on the government's decision to prioritize the nation's health over other interests. The coming weeks will reveal whether this call for political will translates into concrete legislative or executive action.
