From Filing to Action: Building Legislative Support for the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill

Throughout 2026, the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) and its partners pursued efforts in support of House Bill No. 9603.

Bringing authors, local leaders, and advocates together

On June 1, 2026, following the filing of House Bill No. 9603, PLCPD and its partners convened a dialogue with the bill’s authors at the Women Legislators’ Lounge. The discussion brought together legislators, national government agencies, local government representatives, tobacco control partners, and youth advocates to discuss the measure and the importance of stronger smoke-free and vape-free protections.

The dialogue provided an opportunity for local government representatives to share their implementation experiences. Representatives from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Baguio City Smoke-Free Task Force, the Pasig City Health Office, and Sorsogon City discussed local approaches to tobacco control. Their experiences underscored the value of translating policy commitments into practical measures that protect communities.

Strengthening capacities and building networks

From June 9 to 11, PLCPD and the Congressional Staff Association (CONSA) held the capacity-building activity Advancing Tobacco Control Measures in the 20th Congress: Capacity Building for Legislative Staff in Nasugbu, Batangas.

The training covered the tobacco epidemic, the national policy landscape, House Bill No. 9603, regulation of electronic smoking devices, and tobacco and vape taxation. It also included a workshop to help participants identify ways to advance tobacco control measures through their respective offices.

Staff from several legislative and congressional offices from the House of Representatives participated. By strengthening their understanding of tobacco control measures particularly the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Bill, the activity aimed to support informed legislative engagement and more coordinated advocacy.

Bringing the bill to public conversations

On July 16, 2026, Representative Krisel Lagman, lead author of House Bill No. 9603, joined Radyo Veritas’ Barangay Simbayanan for the pilot episode of its Tobacco Control Ngayon segment. The conversation introduced the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill to radio audiences, explaining its significance and the need to strengthen protections against the harms of tobacco smoke and vape aerosol.

Aligning messages and building advocacy support

On October 8, PLCPD, together with Representative Lagman, convened a media gathering and learning session on the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill in Quezon City. The activity brought together media and communications practitioners, offices of principal and co-authors, and tobacco control advocates to discuss the bill’s salient features and align key messages.

In her opening remarks, PLCPD Executive Director Aurora Quilala highlighted the urgency of addressing tobacco and vaping harms, particularly the need to protect children and young people from early exposure and to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and vape aerosol.

Representative Lagman, on the other hand, underscored three central messages: every Filipino deserves the right to breathe clean air; House Bill No. 9603 seeks to build on successful local government practices; and healthy public spaces should become the norm.