MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) vowed to monitor companies that market vaping products as a “healthy alternative” to nicotine, citing risks to public health.

In a statement, the DOH said it has received support from Congress to regulate firms using such claims to promote vape products.

“Definitely, we don’t consider these kinds of products as a healthier option or quote-unquote alternative,” said Tina Marasigan, Director IV of the Health Promotion Bureau, during a congressional hearing on Monday. “And we have been consistently communicating in the DOH and also at the level of the World Health Organization that it is a marketing strategy.”

Marasigan added that the term “tobacco alternative” is misleading, as vape products can also harm the lungs.

Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin urged penalties for companies using such tactics, warning that youth are particularly vulnerable. “It is quite misleading, especially to the younger children. Kasi nga ang akala nila, wala siya[ng nicotine]. It’s a healthy alternative, when in fact we now have EVALI,” she said.

E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) has been linked to severe health risks, including at least one death in the Philippines, a 22-year-old male. Garin noted that most EVALI patients are aged 15 to 30.

“Ito yung naging epekto sa baga ng mga taong nagsigarilyo na gumamit ng e-cigarette at vape. Kaya akala nung una, healthy alternative siya,” she said.
(This is what happens to the lungs of people who smoke e-cigarettes or vape. That is why at first, people thought it was a healthy alternative.)

“But the data that’s being shown globally now is that it’s more harmful and that can be displayed by the occurrence of the new illness termed EVALI… Masakit, pangit, butas-butas, at talagang nakakamatay siya,” she added.
(It’s painful, it’s ugly, it’s damaging, and it really kills.)