Health experts and youth groups are sounding the alarm over an upsurge in children's use of vapes and are calling on the government to enforce strict regulations on the sale of the harmful products, especially online.
It was distressing to see no less than the First Lady and the Agriculture Secretary grace the opening of Philip Morris International’s HTP facility in Batangas. It runs contradictory to the “Love For All” program of the First Lady, which promotes healthy lifestyle and clean living.
A total of 183 governments are scheduled to meet in Panama City, Panama from 5-10 February 2024 for the tenth session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). The WHO FCTC protects the fundamental right of all people to enjoy the highest standard of health. The Philippines is a Party to this treaty, and at the COP10, fierce debates are expected around electronic smoking devices (ESDs); harmful tobacco products that the tobacco industry is aggressively marketing to the youth.
Ilocanos are stereotyped as being kuripot (stingy with money). President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., an Ilocano, showed this side of him when he vetoed four bills approved by the previous Congress.
In declaring tobacco as a health product, the Supreme Court (SC) has made “far-reaching” strides in interpreting tobacco laws and regulation, according to a former health undersecretary.
If Marcos enacts the vape bill or allows it to become law by July 24, the "absurd situation" cited in the Supreme Court decision will happen.
RA 11467 took full effect on May 25, after an 18-month transition period for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and sellers of vapor products to comply with its implementing rules and regulations.
One product’s availability online that many find worrisome is tobacco.
The bill awaits the approval or veto of the President. This will be a test of the President’s record of supporting or defending tobacco-control and health measures.
The pandemic left small-scale farmers like her hanging by a thread to secure adequate funds for their farms, sustain the country’s agricultural production, and deal with financial shocks that affected their livelihood. Two of her fellow farmers contracted COVID-19 last year.
