Ariel Jr R.

Maristela
B2 L9 Marcos Alvarez Ave.,
Talon Singko Las Piñas City
April 25, 2022
Hon. Villar, Camille A.
District Representative Las Piñas City,
Lone District House of Representatives
Quezon City | Rm. SW-107
Phone: (632) 8931-5001, Local: 7206
Direct: 8931-6311

Dear Hon. Camille Villar,

People say moderate consumption of tobacco products and drinking alcoholic beverages
may acquire benefits like reducing the risks of disease and death from cardiovascular disease
and reducing your risk of developing and dying of heart disease, respectively. However, just like
other products, too much consumption will just bring risks instead of its benefits. These two have
been recognized in the country as products that can only be accessed and must be consumed
by adults––which means minors are not allowed. Despite the implementation of the sin tax law
and excise tax reform law, these products were still in demand in the market, that being so,
people still continue to purchase them in spite of the increase in price. Such consumptions are
based on different personal reasons, unfortunately on a bad note, some occasional drinking can
possibly turn into a vice of alcohol addiction alongside with other vices such as nicotine. Over a
period of time, Electronic Cigarettes (e-cigarettes), also known as vaping, became a popular
alternative for smoking here in the Philippines. They are considered as a new trend known to
substitute the usage of tobacco. Filipinos effortlessly welcomed vape products as it brought a
new experience through its different flavors and less cancerous consequences. Although, too
much of this can damage one’s health as well. Vaping showed that it easily attracts minors
because of its pleasing smell. No wonder that kids nowadays tend to be more curious compared
to the previous years. Some other influencing factors to minors came from their environment, if
these things are done in front of them.

Established laws for smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol here in the Philippines states
that the age requirement differs from one another: ‘only people ages 21 and above’ can
purchase and consume the former while ‘people ages 18 and above’ can already purchase the
latter. On the other hand, legislations for vaping are still ongoing. The Senate Bill No. 2239 or the
vape bill is still being debated by pro-smokers and different departments of the government like
the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DEPED) which age is
required to use e-cigarettes. The bill greatly relies on the veto powers of President Rodrigo
Duterte.
I believe that the consumption of tobacco, the usage of vape products, and the
irresponsible drinking of alcohol are getting out of control, specifically by the youth. Despite
having laws and policies which remove all accesses from teenagers aging 18 years and below, it
is evident that they are still able to obtain and avail these products despite the restrictions that
were imposed, it might be due to lack of discipline from both the establishments and the minors.
As observed and through experience, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) do not
verify the age of their consumers anymore as they purchase their products that are exclusively
for adults. Moreover, there are no laws that address the sale of e-cigarettes through the internet,
thus, more minors are getting their supplies online since people behind online marketplaces like
Grab, Instagram and Facebook do not require them to present their Valid IDs to verify their age.
If not given the proper order and attention, it could worsen the consumption of vices and entice
younger generations to adopt a bad habit. According to an Australian study, younger people who
use e-cigarettes tend to be more curious and more willing to try smoking tobacco cigarettes than
never smokers. Moreover, the study posits that e-cigarettes consumption can lead to uptake of
other types of tobacco products, as well as puffing weed and luring alcohol consumption over
time. These products are gateway drugs as they can be the initiating elements to other vices.

I also believe that lowering the age limit will not help, but rather it would just excite
younger generations to try these products as they grow. I hope for the congress to start creating
laws soon that will address sales of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, e-cigarettes online.
The legislation should impose strict compliance with the following procedures and requirements
upon purchasing products that are prohibited from minors; (1) Requesting a proof of legal age
from a Valid and Recognized Primary ID, and (2) a mandatory Face Recognition with the
presented ID as its basis. The proposed legislation shall also be enforced when buying
minor-prohibited products from physical stores.

With all these proposed plans and concern for the future of the youth, I humbly ask your
good office to attend to these matters as soon as possible. I truly believe that strict laws will not
serve as a primary and enough deterrent to cater to addiction problems and other vices that can
be developed, rather it still roots and stems from the environment everyone has lived and
continues to live in that consequently influences how a child perceives reality. Passing a law is
truly one thing but to maintain and practice it is another thing. I truly hope that together with
these laws proposed, when passed and approved; strict observance and good regulation will be
maintained and practiced. I hope that everyone will agree to participate in this initiative, once the
law is passed. May we all never be blinded by our own motives, all must take part in rebuilding
and strengthening the foundations of a better future for the youth—for our children.

Yours Sincerely,

Ariel Jr Maristela