NANAWAGAN ang Department of Health (DOH) kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na ‘wag pirmahan ang batas na papayagan ang mga 18 anyos na bumili at gumamit ng vape.
Ang batas ay ang Senate Bill (SB) 2239 o Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act, kung saan mula 21 anyos ay ibaba sa 18 anyos ang mga papayagan na gumamit at bumili ng vape.
“The vape bill is contrary to public health goals and to President Duterte’s established position to protect Filipinos – especially the youth – from the harmful effects of smoke and emissions from tobacco products, vapor products, and heated tobacco products,” pahayag ng DOH.
“If passed, the vape bill will also negate the gains of Republic Act No. 11223 (Universal Health Care Act) and other health laws. It will [expose] Filipino youths to undue risk of harmful and addictive substances associated with vape use like alcohol, marijuana, and potentially other illicit drugs,” dagdag pa ng ahensya.
Bukod pa rito, naniniwala ang DOH na makakabuti sa industriya ng tobacco sa bansa ang pag-veto ni Duterte sa vape bill.
“The DOH and its different stakeholders support the avowed policy of the administration to protect the health of the nation, especially the youth. Hence, our continued assertion for the veto of the Vape Bill,” panawagan ng ahensya.
“The DOH remains committed to protecting the administration’s legacy in tobacco control and reducing the burden of the disease caused by these harmful products,” dagdag pa ng DOH.
