First case of vaping-related illness reported

The reported first case of electronic cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) in the central Visayas region highlighted the need to immediately raise the taxes on tobacco alternatives, the health advocates from the Sin Tax Coalition said.

On Friday, Anthony Leachon, Sin Tax Coalition co-convener, expressed great concern over the EVALI incidence in the Visayas that was reported by the Department of Health (DOH).

“This is a cause for great concern, and we hope that the government steps up and protects the public from the harmful effects of the use of e-cigarettes and vape before this becomes a large-scale epidemic,” Leachon said.

In recent months, a spike in the number of cases of EVALI has been seen in the United States, with over 2,000 cases reported, and 39 people having lost their lives.

Leachon reiterated the coalition’s support for Senate Bill (SB) 1074 that seeks to significantly increase taxes on heated tobacco products (HTPs) and vape.

SB 1074, sponsored by Sen. Pia, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, was certified as urgent by President Duterte last Tuesday.

“Raising taxes has proven to be an effective tool in curbing the consumption of sin products, and Senator Cayetano’s bill has already been certified as a priority measure by the office of the President,” Leachon said.

“Once again, we urge our legislators to act on the call of the President, and approve Senate Bill 1074 before the year ends,” he added.