Manila: A public health advocacy group has urged the Philippines to adopt stringent regulations on electronic cigarettes and vapes, aligning with several of its ASEAN neighbors that have enacted comprehensive bans. HealthJustice has called for action following the Vietnam National Assembly's recent approval of a resolution that prohibits the production, trade, importation, storage, transportation, and use of e-cigarettes, effective from 2025. According to Philippines News Agency, Vietnam is now among over 30 countries and jurisdictions globally that have banned electronic smoking devices. Jaime Galvez Tan, former Health Secretary and Board Member of HealthJustice, emphasized the growing momentum in Southeast Asia to ban e-cigarettes as a pivotal opportunity for the Philippines. He stated, "By adopting stronger regulations, the Philippines can align itself with its regional neighbors in prioritizing the health of its citizens and protecting the next generation from the harms of nicotine addiction. Now is the time for policymakers to act decisively to safeguard public health." Countries like Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei have already set a strong precedent in the region by pioneering comprehensive bans on e-cigarettes and vapes. These products are often marketed as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes. However, health experts have raised concerns about their potential health risks, especially among young people. Flavored e-liquids, which are particularly appealing to the youth, have contributed to a significant increase in vaping among adolescents. This trend exposes them to both nicotine addiction and harmful chemicals. The 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey highlighted that one in seven Filipino students aged 13 to 15, approximately 1.6 million adolescents, use vapes. Further emphasizing the health risks, the Philippines reported its first death related to e-cigarette or vaping-use-associated lung injury in May.