From L to R: FTEB Director Fhillip Sawali and FTG Supervising Head Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero with PDEA officials Undersecretary Moro Virgilio Lazo, Atty. Francis Del Valle, and Director Julius Paderes during the DTI-PDEA MOA Signing Ceremony on August 8, 2024

Makati City, Philippines—On August 08, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to combat vape products infused with illegal drugs.

The MOA emphasizes the urgent need for robust and proactive measures to detect and investigate illegal substances infiltrating consumer products, particularly vape products.

“This agreement leverages the combined resources and expertise of the DTI and the PDEA to ensure product safety and protect the public—particularly our youth— from the infiltration of illegal drugs, including marijuana-infused vapes,” said Assistant Secretary and Fair Trade Group Supervising Head Agaton Teodoro Uvero.

From L to R: FTEB Director Fhillip Sawali and FTG Supervising Head Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero with PDEA officials Undersecretary Moro Virgilio Lazo, Atty. Francis Del Valle, and Director Julius Paderes during the DTI-PDEA MOA Signing Ceremony on August 8, 2024

PDEA Undersecretary Virgilio M. Lazo recognized the action-oriented partnership with the DTI as an aggressive move to address and dismantle distribution networks of drug-infused products.

The PDEA will work closely with the DTI and other relevant enforcement agencies to detect and investigate any lead or intel involving illegal drug-infused vape products and other consumer products.

This recently signed agreement reaffirms the DTI’s and the PDEA’s commitment in implementing Republic Act (RA) No. 11900 or the Vape Law, and enforcing RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, respectively.

The collaboration builds on the DTI’s previous efforts, including a DTI-led briefing session in June with the PDEA and major e-commerce platforms, where they discussed measures to address existence of marijuana-infused vape products in the Philippine market.

Last July, the DTI issued Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 24-03, Series of 2024, suspending the online sale of vape products due to their significant threat to the health and safety of minors.

Consumers are urged to report any retailers who sell uncertified consumer products through the DTI Consumer Care Hotline (1-384) or via email at consumercare@dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of release: 15 August 2024

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