THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes regulation of vape products and heated tobacco products (HTPs) must remain in its hands, contrary to the proposal contained in the controversial Vape Bill.In a statement, the FDA said it believes that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. must veto the submitted Senate Bill 2239 and House Bill 9007, which will transfer the regulatory jurisdiction of such products from the FDA to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).”It is the DOH, through the FDA, which bears the constitutional mandate to protect every Filipino’s right to health, through establishing effective regulatory systems,” said the FDA.”The FDA joins the Department of Health (DOH) in requesting the presidential veto of the Vape Bill,” it added.The FDA said this is because vape products and HTPs must be considered health products instead of consumer products as they are being marketed by the industry as an alternative to conventional cigarettes, with some even claiming or implying that these products as being safer or less harmful.”Such statements that vapor products and HTPs are substantially safer than conventional cigarettes are misleading, as these products contain harmful and potentially harmful constituents that are hazardous to human health,” said the FDA.”Thus, to ensure the protection of public health interest, regulation of these products by a competent regulatory authority is necessary,” it added.By vetoing the proposed law, the FDA said the Marcos government will be able to continue the progress that happened during the previous administration.These, it pointed, include Executive Orders 26 and 106, as well as the sin tax reforms through Republic Act (RA) 11346 and RA 11467.”Passing this bill will reverse the significant progress which has been made in former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s administration,” the agency said.”The FDA calls for the continuity of these initiatives and the consequent strengthening of the Tobacco Control and Prevention Strategy of the Philippine government,” added the FDA.Under the measure, the DOH and the FDA are stripped of the power to regulate vape products and HTPs.In turn, the law mandates the DTI to regulate vape products in the market.It was back in June 24 when Congress transmitted the Vape Bill to the Office of the President. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)