President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the condemnation of smuggled electronic cigarettes, vape parts, and accessories worth P3.26 billion on Monday as the administration intensifies efforts to curb its rampant smuggling and illegal sale.
The President underscored the dual threats posed by smuggled vapes: economic losses due to tax evasion, and, more critically, serious public health risks, especially to minors.
He underscored the government’s resolve to protect public health and enforce customs regulations as be led yesterday’s inspection and condemnation at the Bureau of Customs in South Harbor, Manila.
“In 2023, we seized about P3 billion worth of smuggled vapes. That amount doubled last year, and just from January to March this year, we are well on our way to exceeding that figure,” Mr. Marcos said.
He noted that several confiscated vape products contained toxic substances in the vaping liquid that would not have passed inspection had the items entered the country legally.
“Some of these liquids were found to contain poisonous ingredients,” Mr. Marcos said.
“The packaging is clearly aimed at children, which makes it even more alarming. These products are not only unsafe—they’re clearly trying to hook our youth,” he added.
Officials also raised concern over the lack of regulation, as smuggled vapes bypass all safety checks and documentation required for legal entry into the country.
“We do not know the manufacturing process or whether these products are safe. That’s what makes them so dangerous,” the President said.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the seized goods were the result of 10 operations conducted throughout 2024 across various areas in Metro Manila.
These were led by the Manila International Container Port (MICP), Port of Manila (POM), and the BOC Intelligence Group, which played a crucial role in identifying and intercepting the illegal shipments.
“These products not only violate customs laws but pose serious risks to consumer health. Today’s condemnation is a clear message to smugglers that the government is relentless in its pursuit of lawful trade,” Rubio said.
The Philippines is currently seeing a sharp increase in the use of vapes or e-cigarettes among young people.
The 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) estimated that one in seven students aged 13-15 currently use e-cigarettes.
Data from the National Nutrition Survey in 2019 also indicated that 44 percent of vapers are non-smokers.
A report in Research and Markets, the world’s leading market research store, also showed that the Philippines e-cigarette and vape market is seen to reach $345.6 million by 2030.