The increasing popularity of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) smoking, especially among young people, has prompted a lawmaker to call for an inquiry into its effects on the health of the smokers.
Sorsogon representative Evelina G. Escudero has filed House Resolution 778, which seeks an investigation into the impact of e-cigarette smoking or use on health and the well being of the youth.
Escudero said an inquiry is in order given the increasing popularity in the country of e-cigarette smoking as a substitute to real cigarettes as well as a means to quit smoking.
“E-cigarettes were first developed in China and is an electronic device that produces inhaled nicotine-laced mist simulating the act of smoking and sometimes looks like the real thing,” Escudero elaborated.
Escudero said that both the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health have issued warnings against e-cigarettes since their use may prove to be useless in quitting the bad habit and that the youth may be enticed to use them.
“E-cigarettes are being branded without the warnings of health hazards of smoking and may prove to be cheaper especially with the imposition of the sin tax or a higher tax on cigarettes,” she said.
The Bicol solon said that such concern may already require legislative intervention to set the policy on the sale and use of e-cigarettes in the country considering that one in every five Filipinos smoke and that the future well-being of the youth may be at stake.
Escudero further said that under the Constitution, it is the duty of the State to protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
“Recognizing the vital role of the youth in nation-building, the State has the mandate to promote and develop their social, physical, spiritual, moral and intellectual well-being,” she said.
Escudero urged the House Committees on Health and Youth to look into, in aid of legislation, the proliferation of e-cigarettes and its impact on the health and well being of the youth.
