The number of new smokers in the Philippines has surged to 9.5 million from 2021 to 2023, according to Sen. Win Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
Startlingly, the age range of these new smokers begins as young as 10 years old. Of the total, 6.4 million smoke manufactured licit cigarettes, while 1.5 million use electronic cigarettes, commonly known as e-cigarettes or vapes.
During a recent Senate hearing, Gatchalian disclosed that the country’s revenue collection has also taken a hit due to illicit vaping products.
He revealed that some vape products, unregulated and lacking proper markings from the Bureau of Customs, have infiltrated the market, evading taxation.
