A new study from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation reveals that over 115,000 Filipinos lose their lives each year to health problems linked to alcohol, tobacco, and vape use. The findings, part of the Global Burden study, also show these substances cause long-term disabilities and reduced productivity nationwide.
Dr. Hector Santos, president of the Philippine Medical Association, voiced concern on Tuesday, pointing to alcohol’s role in road crashes, domestic violence, and chronic illness. “Every year, more than 115,000 Filipinos die due to alcohol, vape, and cigarettes,” he stated in a GMA News Online report.
In response, Santos urged the Department of Health (DOH) to step up its efforts and advocate for stronger public health protections. “I believe no less than the Department of Health should echo our urgent call for the government to recognize the need to strengthen our laws to protect young people from this epidemic,” he added.
Health advocates—including the Sin Tax Coalition—are also pushing for the full enforcement of the Sin Tax Law and its 2020 reforms. The group is calling on DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa to publicly align himself with their advocacy, especially after a photo of him posing with Philip Morris executives circulated online.
“Kung kaya niya magpapicture, sana kasama din natin siya dito. Sana pumunta siya in person sa ating mga mobilizations… sana maglobby din siya in favor of health taxes,” said AJ Montesa of Action for Economic Reforms.
Malacañang defended Herbosa, clarifying that the photo did not break any laws. “Kung siya man po ay nakapag photo ops hindi naman po ibig sabihin na siya’y nagba-violate na ng batas,” said Palace Press Officer Usec. Atty. Claire Castro.
The DOH, meanwhile, reiterated its policy of refusing any donations from the tobacco industry and acknowledged the ongoing risks. It stressed that smoking and vaping are major contributors to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, with vapes linked to lung injuries, nicotine addiction, and even death.
The department cited a case last year of a 22-year-old Filipino male who died of a heart attack after developing severe lung injury from daily vaping.
