PH 'progressive' on vaping, but can do more

Philip Morris International (PMI) sees the Philippines as one of the most progressive countries in terms of acceptance over cigarette alternatives, but its top official said easing communication restrictions is critical for a smoke-free future.

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PMI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jacek Olczak said the Philippines has made significant progress in the critical transition away from cigarette smoking and its associated heath risks.

Olczak identified the Vape Law, enacted in 2022, as a critical step toward smoke-free as the measure legally recognized products such as vapor, novel tobacco, and heated tobacco.

He, however, noted that it stops short in recognizing that these products are a much better alternatives to cigarettes via restrictions in advertising and public communication.

Under the law, embodied under Republic Act (RA) No. 11900, the government implements a stringent policy on promoting smoke-free products.

These cover restrictions on advertisements outside points of sale, promotional merchandise, and promotions on television authorized for viewing by the general public, among others.

"On one hand, government is saying, okay, I got you, I will allow these products to Filipinos, that makes sense, but then I will not talk about it. So now how Filipinos will learn that these products are better?" said Olczak in an interview.