Grassroots movement Parents Against Vape (PAV) strongly condemned the recent launch of vape brands ‘Shift’ and ‘Chillax’ in collaboration with popular social media personalities during the inaugural VapeFest in Pasig City.
In a statement, the PAV charged that the brands employed marketing tactics to present vaping as fun and harmless, targeting the youth.
The event featured prominent social media influencers, who endorsed vaping, which authorities said pose serious health risks to the users.
PAV said the endorsements violated Republic Act (RA) No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act. The law expressly prohibits the appearance of or endorsement by celebrities and social media influencers in marketing and promoting vape products.
Section 16 of RA 11900 clearly states that any form of advertising, promotion, and sponsorship featuring celebrities or social media influencers to endorse or promote the use of vape products is strictly forbidden, the group pointed out.
“The presence of these influencers at (the) VapeFest, coupled with their public statements promoting vaping, constitutes a clear and direct violation of this provision”; PAV said.
VapeFest 2024 was held last Saturday, May 25, at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig City.
PAV argued that this kind of promotional activity is harmful as it influences young and impressionable audiences, glamorizes vaping, and potentially encourages its use among minors, who are especially vulnerable to marketing tactics and peer pressure.
The group urged concerned authorities to take immediate action against ‘Shift’ and ‘Chillax’ for their blatant disregard of the law. "We call for a thorough investigation and appropriate sanctions to prevent further violations and protect the health and well-being of our youth," PAV said.
The government must rigorously enforce the provisions of the law to ensure that the marketing and promotion of vape products are conducted responsibly and within legal boundaries.
It is essential that all stakeholders, including manufacturers, marketers, and influencers, adhere to the regulations set forth to safeguard public health, particularly that of our children, the group stressed.
“PAV remains committed to advocating for stringent measures to regulate vaping and protect our communities from its harmful effects”, the group said.
