SENATOR Pia Cayetano reiterated her call to young people to avoid getting hooked on some new addiction to using vape as she supported the government’s plan to ban disposable vape in the Philippines.

“Yes, I support the banning of disposable vapes. Number one, vapes are very dangerous,” Cayetano said.

“Panawagan ko talaga sa mga young people listening: do not buy the argument na it is safer for you or healthier. Wala pa scientific proof that it is safe for you. So if you can avoid getting hooked on some new addiction, please avoid getting hooked,” Cayetano added.

She added that the use of disposable vapes is also even worse, especially for the environment.

“Now itong disposable vape is even worse for the environment, because isang gamit, isang tapon. Parang yung mga single-use plastic bag, right?” she pointed out.

“The young people already know. The young people on their own are doing their part in not contributing to the garbage, so that is also another harmful effect of disposable vapes, aside from the ill health effects,” she stressed.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto earlier said the government is considering prohibiting the use of disposable vapes in the country due to issues about unregulated sales, tax evasion, and significant health risks, especially among the youth.

Recto said the government would be keeping a close tab on retailers, especially online stores selling unregistered disposable vape products, and impose penalties.

The cabinet official said those found to be selling unregulated disposable vape products may face penalties under Republic Act 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.

According to Recto, the majority of the disposable vapes sold in the market lack registration with the Department of Trade and Industry and do not comply with the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s tax requirements.