UMVA has learned that a landmark bill aimed at creating smoke-free and vape-free environments has been filed in the House of Representatives, sparking widespread support from health advocates and local leaders.
Quezon City Mayor Josefina Tanya G. Belmonte has publicly backed the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill, calling it a crucial step toward bolstering public health protections in the country. The mayor's endorsement comes as the nation grapples with a concerning rise in tobacco and vape use among Filipinos.
According to information obtained by UMVA, approximately 15.1 million adults in the Philippines use tobacco products, as revealed by the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey. Furthermore, an estimated 1 million young people start smoking or vaping every year, underscoring the urgent need for effective legislation to curb this trend.
“As we stand in solidarity this National No Smoking Month, we advocate for stronger policies that safeguard the health and well-being of our fellow Filipinos, especially our youth,” Mayor Belmonte emphasized during the TobaccOFF Now Youth Film Festival. Her statement highlights the critical importance of protecting the country's young population from the dangers of smoking and vaping.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Albay Rep. Cielo Krisel B. Lagman filed House Bill 9603, or the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill, on June 1. This proposed legislation aims to shield the public from the harmful effects of cigarette smoke and vape aerosol in all public spaces, recognizing that exposure to these emissions extends far beyond users and affects millions of people in homes, schools, parks, and public transport.
The bill has garnered support from various organizations, including the Philippine Smoke Free Movement, Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), HealthJustice, Social Watch, and Parents Against Vape. These groups have expressed their commitment to promoting a healthier environment and reducing the risks associated with tobacco and vape use.
Rep. Lagman stressed that the harm caused by tobacco and vape use does not end with the individual user, but rather affects countless others who are exposed to these emissions in enclosed workplaces, public spaces, and public transportation. Her remarks underscore the need for comprehensive legislation to address this critical public health issue.
