E-Smoking out the Facts: The Philippines’ Vaping Dilemma

The Commercial Determinants of Health (CDH) have a major impact on the health of a country's population. The marketing and promotion of products and services by corporations, especially multinational businesses, can significantly impact individuals and communities, both positively and negatively. The vaping epidemic in the Philippines is an example of how commercial influences and government policies, in the context of disinformation, can exacerbate public health issues. The Philippines is facing a rising use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among youth. We conducted a literature review in PubMed and Google Scholar to examine the state of vaping in the Philippines and the lack of research on the health implications of the growing e-cigarette industry. We also discussed the vape bill which lapsed into law – Republic Act 11900, which regulates e-cigarettes and transfers the regulatory power from the Department of Health to the Department of Trade and Industry. We outlined a call to action on three fronts: tailoring national policies, funding research, and improving health education in the youth. Policymakers must prioritize public health gains over economic benefits and consider the impact of their decisions on future generations' health choices.