Cayetanos Push for Stricter Regulations Against Vape and Cigarette Use Amid Youth Epidemic

by: Edjun Mariposque

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March 7, 2025

3–5 minutes

Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano have renewed their strong stance against cigarette and e-cigarette use following expert warnings of a growing smoking and vaping epidemic among Filipino youth.

According to the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), smoking remains a leading cause of preventable diseases and premature deaths. Doctors also stressed that e-cigarettes and vapes, often marketed as safer alternatives, pose serious health risks.

Senator Pia Cayetano, a known health advocate, called for a united effort between the government and various sectors to address the worsening problem.

> “It is our job when we legislate that we don’t allow these products to be marketed indiscriminately. And now, we can see evidence that they are really targeting the youth,” she said.

> “We must act swiftly to protect our children and our communities from these emerging threats before it’s too late. The alarming crisis of youth vaping and potential addiction to illicit drugs demand our urgent attention,” she added.

Data from the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) revealed a staggering increase in youth vape users, from 37,000 in 2021 to 423,000 in 2023—a spike of over 1,000%.

Meanwhile, Senator Alan Cayetano warned of the dangers of excessive nicotine consumption.

> “We all know that nicotine is an addictive substance. And yet we are allowing vaping devices to deliver much higher concentrations of nicotine than even cigarettes and other tobacco products can provide,” he said.

> “This will undoubtedly make it harder for the country’s estimated 17 million smokers to quit and may, in fact, encourage a deeper dependence on nicotine among our kababayan,” he added.

He urged government officials to take immediate action against the rising use of cigarettes and vape products.

> “I have always maintained that the government must work to do good and prevent harm. We must stop the floodgates of nicotine addiction from opening, especially if it means putting people’s health and lives at risk just to earn billions of pesos from vape and e-cigarette sales,” Senator Cayetano emphasized.

The Cayetanos’ renewed push for stricter regulations highlights the urgent need for legislative action to protect public health, especially among the youth.

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