President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has voiced serious concerns over the influx of smuggled electronic vape products that are marketed to young Filipinos.
During a recent speech at a Bureau of Customs (BOC) inspection, the President revealed the scale of the threat these unregulated and untested products pose to the nation’s youth.
“These products are designed for the youth. They want to get our children hooked on vaping,” Marcos stated.
His remarks underline the troubling trend of smuggled vape products—many of which contain hazardous substances, including poisonous chemicals, putting children and teenagers at risk.
A Dangerous Market for the Youth
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported seizing nearly 3 million vape products, worth ₱3.26 billion, which had made their way through the country’s ports via smuggling operations.
These illegal products, designed with attractive packaging and flavored to entice younger audiences, have become a widespread health concern.
According to the latest data, one in seven Filipinos aged 13 to 15 have used vape products, highlighting the growing problem of youth vaping.
Vape Smuggling and the Urgent Need for Action
In response to the alarming rise in youth vaping, President Marcos called for a crackdown on illegal vape products.
The BOC’s effort to seize these goods was a step in the right direction, but it’s clear that more needs to be done to prevent the smuggling of these products into the country.
Marcos also emphasized the importance of protecting minors from the long-term harm that could result from vaping addiction.
The President’s statement comes amid calls from health organizations and child rights advocates to raise the legal age for purchasing e-cigarettes.
This could bring the law in line with international standards and better safeguard young Filipinos.
The Need for Stronger Regulations
The issue of youth vaping has led to growing demands for stricter regulations.
The Child Rights Network has been vocal about the need to amend current policies to better protect Filipino children, proposing that the minimum legal age for purchasing vapes be raised from 18 to 21.
As this issue continues to unfold, it is clear that government action is needed to tackle the rising tide of smuggled e-cigarettes.
President Marcos’ call for action is an important step, but the ongoing investigation and proposed changes to the law must work in tandem to curb this growing health crisis.
