Former senior officials of the Health and Education departments have issued a strong appeal to the Philippine delegation attending the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC). Their call is to take a stand against the use of e-cigarettes or vapes, particularly for the sake of the youth.
This plea comes in response to the alarming increase in the use of e-cigarettes among Filipino children and young people, as revealed by the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey. The study highlights a growing prevalence of vapes among Filipino teens, with a 14.1 percent usage rate among those aged 13 to 15. This translates to millions of young Filipinos being exposed to the potential harms of e-cigarettes.
Moreover, a study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Institute for Global Tobacco Control has found that vapes are being openly and widely sold and advertised within 100 meters of 78 percent of schools in the Philippines. This is in direct violation of the prohibition stated in Republic Act 11900.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the former officials urged the Philippine COP10 delegation to reaffirm the country’s commitments under the FCTC and take a leading role in advocating for policies that prevent the uptake of all recreational tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes. Their objective is to protect both present and future generations from the devastating consequences of tobacco use and nicotine addiction.
The appeal was made by esteemed former Health officials Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, Dr. Carmencita Reodica, Dr. Manuel Dayrit, Dr. Esperanza Cabral, Dr. Paulyn Rosell Ubial, Atty. Alexander Padilla, Dr. Susan Mercado, and Dr. Madeleine Valera, as well as former Education Department officials Bro. Armin Luistro and Atty. Albert Muyot. As the Philippine delegation prepares to participate in the COP10 in Panama from February 5 to 10, 2024, these former executives emphasize the importance of addressing the concerns surrounding the Vape Regulation Law (RA 11900).
The former officials express their concerns about the potential consequences of weakened provisions within RA 11900. These include lowering the age of access from 21 to 18 years old, delegating regulation to the Department of Trade and Industry instead of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and easing restrictions on vape flavors. They warn that such watered-down provisions could have serious repercussions for public health.
In their joint statement, the former officials emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in the Philippine delegation’s policy positions at COP10. They stress that these positions will have a significant impact on both domestic and global approaches to tobacco control. The delegation is urged to speak openly about the serious threat to public health posed by weak regulation of e-cigarettes in the Philippines, rather than hiding, whitewashing, or disguising the truth.
In conclusion, the call from former senior officials of the Health and Education departments to the Philippine delegation attending COP10 is a plea to prioritize the well-being of Filipino youth by taking a firm stance against the use of e-cigarettes. With the alarming increase in their usage among young people and the violation of existing regulations, it is crucial for the delegation to advocate for stronger policies that protect the present and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine addiction.
Source: The Manila Times
