DOH Reiterates Health Risks of Smoking and Vaping, Calls for Plain Packaging and Stronger Cessation Programs

The Department of Health (DOH) has renewed its warnings against the use of tobacco and vaping products, stressing the significant health risks these substances pose. In a video statement on Friday, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa highlighted the growing challenges nicotine addiction presents, especially with the advent of vaping.

"We in the health sector understand that tobacco smoke is harmful to the human body, causing various diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and lung conditions linked to nicotine addiction. However, the situation has evolved," Herbosa explained.

Addressing perceptions that vaping is a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, the Secretary underscored new scientific findings indicating that vaping may in fact be more harmful. "Recent research shows that vaping exposes users to numerous chemicals that have diverse negative effects on the body," he said.

Herbosa also revealed that medical professionals have identified cases of E-cigarette and Vape Associated Lung Injury (E-VALI), and noted the Philippines' unfortunate distinction of recording the world’s first documented vape-related fatality.

In response to the marketing strategies that target younger demographics—often through appealing candy-flavored vaping products and colorful packaging—the DOH is advocating for the implementation of plain packaging for both cigarettes and e-cigarette products. "We have introduced graphic health warnings, and the next step is to mandate plain paper packaging, as adopted by various other countries," Herbosa remarked.

He further emphasized the need to bolster smoking cessation programs nationwide to combat the rising trend of tobacco and vaping use.

A national survey conducted in 2023 found that approximately one million Filipinos aged 10 to 19 began smoking or vaping within the year. Globally, tobacco-related deaths surpassed 8 million, with over 15 million adult smokers in the Philippines alone.

Separately, the House of Representatives passed a bill in January 2025 reducing excise taxes on cigarettes, tobacco, heated tobacco, and vapor products. This effort aims to address declines in tax revenue from these goods while public health advocates continue to stress the importance of regulatory and behavioral interventions.

"Our collective goal is to protect public health by reducing both smoking and vaping rates, especially among the youth," Herbosa concluded.