LAWYER Jesus Falcis disputed Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay’s claim that the device he was seen using in a viral video was not a vape.
In a Facebook post, Falcis cited the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act (R.A. No. 11900), which defines vapor products as devices that transform a liquid, solid, or gel into an aerosol without combustion, regardless of whether they contain nicotine.
“Ignorantia legis neminem excusat,” Falcis said. “Ignorance of the law excuses no one, especially a congressman who is a lawyer.”
Suntay earlier insisted that the device he was holding was a “Breatheasy,” not a vape, adding that it “has no nicotine and produces no smoke.”
“The item I was holding was not a vape,” he explained “Ito ay isang Breatheasy, isang natural at ligtas na breathing exercise device na ginagamit para sa pagpapakalma at tamang paghinga. Wala itong kemikal, usok, o baterya, at hindi ito ginagamit bilang vape o paninigarilyo.”
Falcis countered that under the law, both nicotine and non-nicotine devices fall under the definition of vaporized products and are therefore subject to regulation.
