Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Bill Filed in the House of Representatives
MANILA, June 1, 2026 – Public health and child rights champions in the House of Representatives filed on the first of June House Bill 9603 or the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill, a national measure that seeks to protect the health of the public from cigarette smoke and vape aerosol in all public spaces and workplaces, especially in places frequented by children.
“The harm of tobacco and vape use does not end with the smoker. Millions are exposed to tobacco smoke and vape aerosol in enclosed workplaces, public spaces, and public transportation. It is happening in our barangays, schools, parks, and even inside our homes,” said Cong. Krisel Lagman, of the 1st District of Albay and Principal Author of the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill.
“The saddest part is that children, whose lungs are weaker, become casualties of second-hand exposure to cigarette smoke and vape aerosol – isang bagay na hindi dapat natin hinahayaang maging normal o katanggap-tanggap,” added Rep. Lagman.
The filing comes at an opportune time, as it coincides with the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, and the national observance of No Smoking Month this June.
The measure is championed by Rep. Lagman, together with other Principal Authors Rep. Janice Degamo (3rd District, Negros Oriental), Rep. Ysabel Zamora (Lone District, San Juan City), Rep. Ann Matibag (1st District, Laguna), Rep. Angela Garcia (2nd District, Bataan), Rep. Jaime Fresnedi (Lone District, Muntinlupa City), Rep. Kaka Bag-ao (Lone District, Dinagat Islands), Rep. Leila de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal Partylist), Rep. Edgar Erice (2nd District, Caloocan), Rep. Jett Nisay (Pusong Pinoy Partylist), Rep. Kathryn Joyce Fermin-Gorriceta (2nd District, Iloilo), Rep. Antonino Roman III (1st District, Bataan), and Akbayan Partylist Representatives Perci Cendaña, Chel Diokno, and Dadah Ismula.
The bill will establish a national standard based on the experience and successful implementation of model local government units for smoke-free and vape-free policy called R.E.L.A.T.E.: (1) Removal of indoor designated smoking and vaping areas; (2) Expansion of smoke-free and vape-free zones in public spaces and workplaces; (3) Local health budget allocation for tobacco and vape control and cessation programs; (4) Awards for local government units that will effectively implement the law; (5) Task Force creation in local governments for effective enforcement; and (6) Enhanced and stiffer penalties for violators.
“The proposed law will ensure strong information campaigns, local adaptation, and capacity-building. The goal is to change behavior, promote public health, and protect our most vulnerable – the children,” said Philippine Smoke-Free Movement (PSFM) National Coordinator and youth leader Ms. Rizza Duro, adding that the filing of a responsive and enforceable bill has long been awaited by public health and child rights advocates in the Philippines.
“More than 40% of our youth are exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke in enclosed public spaces, according to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. We enjoin all our legislators to support this bill in fulfillment of our shared responsibility to protect children’s health,” said Ms. Au Quilala, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development and Convener of Child Rights Network (CRN) Philippines.
Meanwhile, Victoria Raquiza, Co-Convener of Social Watch Philippines, said that the bill will ensure adequate and sustained funding for local health and tobacco control programs. “Without the necessary funding, the country risks rolling back decades of progress in addressing the health costs of tobacco and nicotine addiction,” Dr. Raquiza said.
Calls from civil society are strengthened by the experience of local governments, where smoke-free and vape-free policies are already in place and working. Cities such as Baguio, Tabaco, Davao, Balanga, Iloilo, and Butuan have shown strong, award-winning local policies and implementation. Recently, Baguio City received the World No Tobacco Day 2026 Award from the World Health Organization.
“We are honored to be recognized globally for our smoke-free ordinances and the strict implementation of our local policies,” said Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong – Public Servant, who supports the filing and enactment of the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill.
“But this protection must not rest on cities alone. We need a national law that serves as the backbone of local efforts, earmarks dedicated funding for sustained enforcement, and gives local governments the teeth to ensure proper and strict implementation,” Mayor Magalong added.
Around 2.5 million adult Filipinos are exposed to tobacco smoke in enclosed workplaces, while 4.2 million reported exposure in public transportation (Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2021). Meanwhile, an estimated 1.5 million Filipinos use e-cigarettes or vapes, according to the National Nutrition Survey in 2023.
Over 112,000 Filipinos die every year from tobacco-related diseases, including illnesses linked to exposure to second-hand smoke, while smoking costs the Philippines an estimated P210 billion annually in health care expenses and productivity losses.
In 2019, a Pulse Asia survey revealed that 93% of Filipinos supported a policy banning smoking in public places and private places frequented by the public, while 86% of smokers agreed.
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