Consumer advocacy groups in the Philippines urged the World Health Organization to include tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies in global tobacco control policies and recognize the rights of over a billion nicotine users worldwide.
The call coincides with the 11th COP of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Geneva, with groups like Vaper Ako, CCP, and NCUP emphasizing smokers’ involvement in policy discussions.
Nearly 48,000 petitioners highlighted the need to protect the Philippine Vape Law (RA 11900), which provides a regulatory framework for nicotine and non-nicotine vapor products.
Advocates stressed that nicotine itself is not harmful, pointing to cigarette smoke as the main cause of disease, and promoted safer smoke-free alternatives as effective public health tools.
They also called for fair taxation, anti-smuggling measures, and official recognition of national harm reduction policies to reduce smoking-related health risks.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 19, 2025
