President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (center, white shirt, sunglasses, hard hat) stands with DTI Secretary Cristina Roque (dark suit, left), DOF Secretary Ralph Recto (white shirt, hard hat, next to President), BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio (uniform, center-right), and other officials for a group photo at the Port of Manila during the vape condemnation event on April 7.
Presidential Broadcast Staff – Radio Television Malacañang (PBS-RTVM)

Manila City, Philippines—In a decisive move against the illicit trade of unregistered and non-compliant vape products, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., stood with the chiefs of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Finance (DOF), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Manila on April 07. Together, they conducted a public condemnation of 2,977,925 confiscated smuggled electronic cigarettes and vapor products.

This enforcement action is part of the government’s intensified crackdown on illegal vape products. The 2,977,925 pieces of confiscated vapes, valued at approximately PHP 3.26 billion, were intercepted and formally disposed of following 48 seizure operations conducted by the BOC in 2024. These products were found in violation of Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, due to their failure to comply with strict labeling, health warning, and registration requirements, thereby posing potential risks to Filipino consumers.

Leading the operation were DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, DTI OSMV Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head Atty. M. Marcus N. Valdez II, DOF Secretary Ralph G. Recto, and BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio. These officials personally oversaw the condemnation, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illicit trade and protecting public health.

“I am happy to report to the country that the levels of which we have been able to find the smuggled goods, and eventually destroy them has increased steadily over the last year and the half,” President Marcos stated.

“I just wanted to highlight the efforts we are doing and the dangers that accompany the smuggled vapes, far and beyond the loss and revenue to the government but more important to us are the health issues that these smuggled vapes raise,” he further added.

The DTI, DOF, and BOC reaffirm their commitment to consumer protection and market regulation, ensuring that Philippine trade policies align with international standards.

A group of Philippine government officials, some in uniform and others in formal attire with safety helmets, stand together outdoors at the Port of Manila. They appear to be overseeing the public condemnation of confiscated smuggled electronic cigarettes and vapor products, highlighting the government’s ongoing campaign against illicit trade and unregulated vape items.

“The public can be assured that the Department of Trade and Industry remains fully committed to protecting Filipino consumers from harmful and unregulated products,” Secretary Roque declared.

“We are working closely with partner agencies to ensure our markets are safe, fair, and accountable. This initiative is part of our active support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision—one that champions good governance, consumer welfare, and national development,” the trade chief added.

The DTI OSMV encourages consumers to contact the Consumer Care Hotline for vape-related information and concerns by calling DTI (1–384) or sending an email to OSMV_Comms@dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of Release: 08 April 2025

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