SEVERAL anti-smoking advocates Monday, April 27, 2026, pressed on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for it to take action against tobacco companies accused of having violated Republic Act 11900 or the Vape Regulation Act of 2022.
In a statement, the Child Rights Network said it is imperative for the DTI to take action considering it has exclusive jurisdiction over any and all issues, requirements, and subject matters related to vape products.
"Immediate regulatory action from the DTI is needed to put an end to these dirty industry tactics and to reaffirm the government’s mandate to protect the health of its people,” said Child Rights Network (CRN) Spokesperson Au Quilala.
"The DTI must do its duty and act against the industry’s disregard for children’s rights, public health, and the integrity of our cultural spaces," she added.
The health advocacy groups pointed how three consecutive complaints were filed against nicotine pouch brand, ZYN, and heated tobacco product (HTP) company, IQOS Philippines.
Health Justice Philippines said ZYN and IQOS were documented to have promotional presence during the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.
Section 14(a) of RA 11900 prohibits the sponsorship of any sport, concert, cultural, or art event.
“These cultural events are widely attended by families and children, which makes any form of tobacco promotion illegal. Even with its limited provisions to protect children and young people, the Vape Law clearly prohibits the promotion of harmful tobacco products in spaces meant to be safe for children," said Health Justice.
The Parents Against Vape also filed a complaint on the collaboration of IQOS Philippines with local artist Isabel Santos.
Section 12(c) of the law prohibits the endorsement, implied or express, by a celebrity of vape products.
“It is disheartening to see artistic spaces being infiltrated by the tobacco industry. These platforms have a significant reach among young people, and if such violations are allowed to bypass the law without sanction, more young people will be exposed and influenced by their harmful and deadly products,” said Parents Against Vape.
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Philippines said ZYN pouches have been found to be unregistered with the DTI despite being available in the market.
Section 19 of the Vape Regulation Act provides that all manufacturers and importers of vape products must register with DTI.
“It is alarming to see such products widely available in the market without proper registration. Nicotine products already pose known health risks – what more for those that have not been approved," said ASH Philippines.
According to the groups, the said violations clearly manifest the continuous non-compliance of the tobacco industry with existing laws and regulations on the promotion and distribution of vaping products.
The Philippine Smoke-Free Movement (PSFM) said the tobacco industry has the penchant to violate the Vape Regulation Act of 2022.
"It is clear that tobacco companies will continue to violate the law if left unchecked," said PSFM National Coordinator Rizza Duro.
"They reflect a recurring pattern of non-compliance by the tobacco industry," she added. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)
