ANAKALUSUGAN Party-list Rep. Ray Reyes on Wednesday expressed his concern over the increasing number of teenagers who are using vape.

“It is very alarming that more and more Filipino youth are using vape and e-cigarettes. Increasing taxes on these products will not only raise funds for Universal Health Care but also dissuade its use especially among young people,” Reyes said.

He cited the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey released in 2021 that showed 14.1 percent of school-aged children are smoking electronic cigarettes or vapes.

“It is very alarming because the GYTS study also showed the Philippines topping the list of countries in Southeast Asia where teen vaping is on the rise,” the lawmaker added.

He said that they are studying proposals to raise the minimum age of people allowed to use vaping products.

“All of these are addictive and pose various health risks. Maybe it is wise to raise the minimum age of purchase for these products,” Reyes said.

While vape products are usually branded as the “safer” alternative to cigarettes, he said these still pose many health risks.

“Kailangang protektahan natin ang ating mga kabataan mula sa mga masamang bagay na maaaring idulot ng mga produktong ito,” Reyes said.