QUEZON City 4th District Rep. Bong Suntay has denied allegations that he was vaping inside the House of Representatives while in session, deliberating the proposed budget of the Office of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Lawyer Jesus Falcis posted a clip on X (formerly Twitter) showing Suntay appearing to puff smoke behind Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab during his speech, prompting questions about whether vaping is allowed inside the legislative chamber.
Ungab was then defending Duterte’s office budget.
“As far as I know, smoking is prohibited in the House under Section 98 of its Rules. Isn’t vaping also banned?” Falcis wrote, adding that vaping poses health risks similar to smoking, including secondhand exposure.
He also called on the House leadership to clarify the rules, noting that such actions set a poor example for the public, especially the youth.
Suntay, however, has strongly denied the claim, insisting he did not vape during the session.
He described the accusation as misleading and said he fully abides by House regulations.
“Isang paglilinaw lamang na ang nakitang hawak ko ay hindi isang vape,” Suntay said in a Facebook post.
“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,” he added.
