Congressman Jose Enrique S. Garcia III has expressed optimism that some salient provisions in the approved Senate Bill 2239 which sets restrictions on the use and sale of vaporized nicotine products (VNP) will be reconsidered in the bi-cameral conference.
Garcia was referring to the age limit to 18 years old and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as lead agency.
“Hopefully, ma-reconsider pa ang ibang provisions sa Bicam tulad ng 18 years old at DTI as lead agency. Sa previous law kasi 21 years old at Food and Drug Administration ang lead agency.
The bill’s staunchest critic, Sen. Pia Cayetano said in her scathing speech at the Senate: “This Senate has allowed a provision in this bill that will now turn over the duty to the DTI. What business does the DTI have to regulate health?”
Garcia in the previous years had launched pressing campaign against smoking in Bataan more particularly in Balanga when he was the city mayor.
“Wait na lang natin ang final version ng bill after the bicam,” Garcia said in a text message.
