Health groups push for steep P80 vape tax to curb addiction

MANILA — Health advocates in the Philippines are pressing legislators to adopt a substantial tax on vape products, contending that existing proposals lack the teeth needed to discourage consumption and prevent addiction.

The Health Philippines Alliance (HPA), through lead convenor Jaime Galvez Tan, has urged policymakers to implement a P80 or higher tax on vaping devices and related products. The group's position reflects growing concern over what it describes as the accelerating proliferation of such items across the country.

According to health advocates, the current government proposals on vape taxation do not sufficiently address public health concerns or create adequate disincentives for access and use. They argue that a more robust tax structure is essential to protect vulnerable populations, particularly young people, from nicotine addiction through vaping products.

The push for stricter taxation comes amid ongoing debates in Congress over how best to regulate the vaping industry while protecting public health. Supporters of the higher tax threshold maintain that pricing mechanisms are a proven policy tool for reducing consumption of addictive products.

The proposal is expected to be discussed further as lawmakers consider comprehensive legislation on tobacco and nicotine-related product regulation.