Several anti-smoking advocates yesterday pressed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to take action against tobacco companies accused of violating Republic Act 11900, or the Vape Regulation Act of 2022. In a statement, the Child Rights Network emphasized that the DTI has exclusive jurisdiction over all issues related to vape products and must act immediately.
DTI Urged to Act Against Industry Tactics
“Immediate regulatory action from the DTI is needed to put an end to these dirty industry tactics and to reaffirm the government’s mandate to protect the health of its people,” said Child Rights Network (CRN) Spokesperson Au Quilala. “The DTI must do its duty and act against the industry’s disregard for children’s rights, public health, and the integrity of our cultural spaces.”
Complaints Against ZYN and IQOS
The health advocacy groups pointed to three consecutive complaints filed against nicotine pouch brand ZYN and heated tobacco product company IQOS Philippines. Health Justice Philippines reported that ZYN and IQOS had promotional presence during the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City, which violates Section 14(a) of RA 11900 that prohibits sponsorship of any sport, concert, cultural, or art event.
“These cultural events are widely attended by families and children, which makes any form of tobacco promotion illegal. Even with its limited provisions to protect children and young people, the Vape Law clearly prohibits the promotion of harmful tobacco products in spaces meant to be safe for children,” said Health Justice.
The Parents Against Vape also filed a complaint regarding IQOS Philippines’ collaboration with local artist Isabel Santos, citing Section 12(c) of the law that prohibits endorsement, implied or express, by a celebrity of vape products. “It is disheartening to see artistic spaces being infiltrated by the tobacco industry. These platforms have a significant reach among young people, and if such violations are allowed to bypass the law without sanction, more young people will be exposed and influenced by their harmful and deadly products,” said Parents Against Vape.
Unregistered Products in the Market
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Philippines said ZYN pouches have been found to be unregistered with the DTI despite being available in the market. Section 19 of the Vape Regulation Act requires all manufacturers and importers of vape products to register with the DTI. “It is alarming to see such products widely available in the market without proper registration. Nicotine products already pose known health risks – what more for those that have not been approved,” said ASH Philippines.
According to the groups, these violations clearly manifest the continuous non-compliance of the tobacco industry with existing laws and regulations on the promotion and distribution of vaping products.
Pattern of Non-Compliance
The Philippine Smoke-Free Movement (PSFM) said the tobacco industry has a penchant for violating the Vape Regulation Act of 2022. “It is clear that tobacco companies will continue to violate the law if left unchecked,” said PSFM National Coordinator Rizza Duro. “They reflect a recurring pattern of non-compliance by the tobacco industry.”
