Philippines: Senate candidates urged to act on youth tobacco use, vaping

Rising use of tobacco, alcohol and vaping products among young Filipinos has prompted health experts to urge candidates in the 2025 midterm Senate elections to prioritize tougher regulatory measures.

With the latest data showing a surge in the use of these products, health professionals are warning that without decisive action, the country could face a worsening public health crisis. At a press conference on Wednesday, March 5, medical societies and the Sin Tax Coalition were particularly critical of the rapid passage of House Bill 11360, which seeks to reduce planned excise tax increases on tobacco and vaping products.[1].

High use of tobacco, vaping products and alcohol among Filipino adolescents

According to the latest Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), 14.1 per cent of Filipino students aged 13 to 15 used e-cigarettes and 12.5 per cent used traditional cigarettes. The Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) says the dramatic increase in vaping among Filipino youth in recent years is largely due to the availability of flavoured e-cigarettes and aggressive marketing by the tobacco industry.

Beyond tobacco and vaping product use, alcohol consumption among Filipino adolescents remains a concern. Health authorities point out that early initiation of alcohol consumption is linked to a higher risk of addiction, risky behaviors, and long-term health complications such as liver disease and mental health disorders.

Harmful products promoted directly to young people

Health professionals and public health advocates stress that the government must take immediate and ambitious steps to reduce youth exposure to these harmful substances. The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) has called for stronger legislative frameworks to regulate the sale, marketing, and taxation of tobacco, vape, and alcohol products.

Health organizations are particularly concerned about the role of social media and influencer marketing in promoting these products to young people. Online platforms have become hotspots for illicit sales and advertising, circumventing traditional restrictions. Experts say digital platforms should be held accountable for allowing content that glorifies the use of toxic substances to minors.

A reduction in tax increases on these products, criticized by health experts

According to the legislative calendar, House Bill 11360, which proposes amendments to several sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1997, was filed on January 28, 2025, and was introduced two days after its introduction in the plenary session and quickly passed its second reading. On February 3, the House passed it on its third and final reading by a vote of 190 to 4 and sent it to the Senate the following day. The bill provides for annual increases in excise taxes on traditional cigarettes, heated tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other vaping products. Under the previous law, these products are subject to an annual increase of $5,% in excise rates. However, the new bill is expected to limit this tax increase with an increase of 2 % every even year starting January 1, 2026, and an increase of 4 % every odd year starting January 1, 2027, until December 31, 2035.

Supporters of the bill argue that the measure aims to stabilize excise tax collections and combat the proliferation of illicit tobacco trade.

Health groups warn that reducing the rate of tax increases could make tobacco products more affordable over time, undermining public health efforts to reduce smoking prevalence. They say maintaining higher tax rates is essential to deterring smoking initiation and protecting public health.

A key question for candidates in the 2025 elections

Public health advocates point out that candidates' positions on these tax issues and other prevention measures should be an important factor for voters in upcoming elections.

Proposed measures include stricter regulation of sales and advertising, including banning online sales of vaping and tobacco products, raising the legal purchasing age, and tighter controls on advertising to limit exposure to minors. Health advocates recommend sharply increasing excise taxes on these products to reduce consumption, particularly among price-sensitive youth. There are also calls for stronger enforcement of existing laws restricting the sale of vapes and alcohol to minors, with regular checks and tougher penalties for retailers who break the law.[2].

Public health organizations emphasize the importance of education and prevention campaigns in schools and communities to educate young people about the dangers of smoking, vaping, and alcohol use. Experts also stress the need to expand access to mental health services and addiction treatment programs to help young people struggling with nicotine and substance use.

Philippine Medical Association President Hector Santos reiterated the urgency of the issue, stressing the need for immediate action to prioritize public health concerns over industry interests. He added that with the increasing number of young Filipinos engaging in substance abuse, leaders are urged to take a strong stance and commit to policies that protect the well-being of the younger generation.

©Generation Without Tobacco

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[1] Dominique Nicole Flores, Health experts to candidates: Address rising alcohol, vape use among youth, Philstar, published March 5, 2025, accessed March 6, 2025

[2] Sherylin Untalan, Surge in young people taking up vape alarming, says doctor, GMA network, published March 5, 2025, accessed March 6, 2025