Groups protest increased vape, e-cig excise
Special interest groups expressed their opposition to the substitute version of House Bill 1026 intending to hike the excise tax on smoking alternative products as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco or vapor products.
The Philippine E-cigarette Industry Association (PECIA) said such is “shameful and tragic” as the smoking alternatives are proven to have reduced risk versus actual cigarettes.
“This unfortunate development is absolutely shameful and tragic. While an increasing number of countries are adopting harm reduction in their national tobacco control policy, our Congress wants to increase the tax on reduced-risk products that can help prevent smoking-related sickness and deaths in the country,” PECIA said in a statement.
“PECIA wants to draw attention to the fact that Congress made no public consultation for the proposed legislation. Our organization could have provided the resources and studies to aid the House of the Representatives understand tobacco harm reduction strategies being embraced by other countries,” it said.
The organization cited several reports by respected and independent health organizations as well as research institutes on the use of e-cigarettes.
Given these studies, the PECIA called on lawmakers to reconsider and examine the reports that prove e-cigarettes are less harmful to smokers. “The best step for smokers is to quit. However, for many smokers quitting is extremely difficult. Therefore, the policy goal should be to encourage smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products,” it said.
The best step for smokers is to quit.