Philippine Vape Crackdown Risks Undermining Public Health

23 April 2025

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) today criticised the Philippine government’s inconsistent approach to vaping, highlighting the tension between public crackdowns on illicit products, fiscal reliance on vape taxes, and questionable environmental practices in disposing of confiscated devices.

“The Department of Health’s punitive stance on vaping is at odds with the government’s growing dependence on vape taxes to offset declining cigarette revenues,” said Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has publicly stated that vape collections are expected to help meet this year’s excise tax targets, especially as tobacco tax collections fall due to declining cigarette use and illicit trade.

At the same time, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) recently destroyed nearly three million smuggled vape products, valued at over PHP3.2 billion, in a ceremony led by President Marcos. While these actions aim to combat illicit trade, Loucas said, “Destroying vapes without considering recycling or upcycling is environmentally damaging and ignores successful models in other countries. This is political theatre at the expense of sustainability.”

Loucas also noted the contradiction in public health messaging. While Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has stressed strict enforcement of vaping regulations, the government’s reliance on vape taxes for revenue sends mixed signals to consumers and industry. “Vilifying vaping while depending on its tax income undermines both public health and fiscal policy,” she added.

CAPHRA’s research, with over 700 participants, shows most ex-smokers credit vaping with quitting cigarettes, yet many remain confused by the government’s contradictory stance. “The public wants regulated access to reduced-risk products and expects evidence-based policy,” Loucas said.

Adding to this, harm reduction advocate Justin Tumang commented, “We need to move away from scare tactics and embrace practical solutions that genuinely help people transition away from smoking. Harm reduction is about meeting people where they are and giving them safer choices, not punishing them for trying to improve their health.”

Clarisse Yvette P. Virgino, CAPHRA’s Philippine representative, added: “As someone who switched from cigarettes to vapes, I support sensible regulation that protects consumers. But when regulations become so prohibitive that they risk pushing people back to smoking or the black market, we defeat the very goal of harm reduction. I remain hopeful the Philippines will keep vape products accessible for adults while ensuring safety and compliance.”

CAPHRA urges Philippine officials to align policy by recognising vaping’s role in harm reduction, ensuring responsible disposal of confiscated devices, and consulting independent experts. “Health policy must move beyond posturing. CAPHRA is ready to work with authorities on solutions that prioritise public health and the environment,” Loucas concluded.