E-cig regulation sought

The Philippines Department of Health yesterday reiterated its call for the regulation of electronic cigarettes, saying these devices ‘are not a healthy alternative to tobacco,’ according to a GMA News story.

The health undersecretary Eric Domingo made the call as the government was pushing for a law imposing higher excise taxes on tobacco products.

“Some people are trying to package it as a healthy alternative to tobacco or as lower risk product compared to tobacco,” Domingo was quoted as having said during a news conference.

“Vape are nicotine-containing and they are addicting.

“We do not advocate the use of vaping and we want to strictly regulate it.”

E-cigarette and vaping regulations would need legislation, but relevant bills currently remain pending in Congress.

Domingo proposed that vaping devices should be registered and checked for safety.

And the World Health Organization country representative, Dr. Gundo Weiler, earlier said that WHO supported the regulation of vaping.

Domingo said it was not known how many vape stores had opened in the country.