Solon seeks ban on e-cigarettes

Bataan Rep. Jose Enrique Garcia III wants to restrict the importation, manufacture, use, sale, distribution and advertisement of electronic cigarettes.

He said the government should institute a policy to prohibit the importation, manufacture, use, sale, and distribution of electronic cigarettes until they are cleared to be safe to promote a healthy environment and protect the citizens from the hazards of e-cigarette use.

“In the Philippines, backyard manufacturing of e-cigarette flavorings and e-juices have become rampant. The fact that local manufacturers could mix their own juices and flavorings sans public disclosure of the ingredients and solutions used is very alarming. Unless, sooner halted, this backyard manufacturing could no longer be controlled,” Garcia said.

He lamented that electronic cigarette products were also untested for electrical or mechanical safety and has resulted in injuries to users.

“In fact, media reports of exploding e-cigarette products have become increasingly common, with more than 300 reports of related explosions all over the world,” he said.

Citing numerous studies, Garcia expressed concern that ecigarette use re-normalizes and promotes cigarette smoking.

Violators of the proposed House Bill 8671 shall be slapped with a fine ranging from P500,000 to P1 million or an imprisonment of not more than six years or both, at the discretion of the court.