SEN. Pia Cayetano pleaded on Tuesday for parents to safeguard their children against e-cigarettes.
Cayetano aired the appeal following the passage of the “sin” tax law that substantially raised taxes on e-cigarettes, advising parents to educate their children on the dangers of picking up “these new dangerous vices” that she said seem to be targeting the youth.
In a statement, Cayetano said, “This is my call to all Filipino parents, please discourage your children from using these heated tobacco products [HTPs] and vapes. These devices are harmful to their health.”
As chairman of the Ways and Means committee, the senator cosponsored the sin tax measure setting higher tax rates on HTPs and vapes, citing evidence from health experts that such products could not be considered as effective cessation devices, and that they could cause harm to nonsmokers and the youth.
“I based my position on [scientific evidence and] the recommendations of health advocates, no less than the World Health Organization [WHO], that we treat these e-cigarettes and HTPs equally as if they are cigarettes,” she stressed during a press conference with sin tax advocates on Tuesday.
She added: “It is my job to veer on the
side of safety. That‘s why the position I’ve always taken is, unless there is
convincing evidence that these are truly cessation products, and that these
companies are willing to register them as such, then we should treat them as
harmful products.”
The senator renewed her call for
young Filipinos and nonsmokers to avoid using e-cigarettes, HTPs and vapes,
warning that “these could cause serious damage to their health.”
“I call on all our young people. I will never get tired of reminding you that these products—HTPs, ENDS/ENNDS [Electronic Nicotine/Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems], and vapes—can be dangerous to your bodies. We don’t want you to take on these brand-new vices,” Cayetano stressed.
At the same time, Cayetano commited to work with fellow legislators, other government agencies, and advocacy groups in assessing and strengthening the country’s smoking- and drinking-cessation programs.