House ratifies bicam report regulating vape use

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives ratified last night the bicameral conference committee report on the bill that aims to regulate the use of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products or vapes.

The measure was approved overwhelmingly during a hybrid plenary session of Congress’ lower chamber.

The reconciled bill from the Senate and the House prohibits posts, messages or images by manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers that will encourage the purchase and use of vape products.

It also provides regulations on the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use and communication of vape products and novel tobacco products, which is one way of giving smokers the chance to quit smoking.

The Philippine College of Physicians urged President Duterte, however, to veto the Vape Bill, pointing out that failure to do so would only mean breaking his 2016 campaign promise to wipe out all forms of narcotics in the country.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said he supports the medical group’s call.

The Department of Health will be tasked to prescribe guidelines on the implementation of smoking and vaping restriction awareness campaigns, while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will consult with the Food and Drug Administration in setting technical standards for the safety, consistency and quality of the vape products.

Manufacturers, distributors, importers and sellers will be given an 18-month transitory period from the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations to comply with the requirements of this measure.

This would include the registration of the vape products with the DTI.

The chairman of the House contingent in the bicameral panel was Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian of Valenzuela City while Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto chaired that of the Senate.

With the ratification of the bicam report, the proposed law is now up for Duterte’s signature or veto.