Calls by medical societies and health advocates for the president to veto the Philippines Vape Regulation Bill – and a change of government – failed to derail the bill as a lack of presidential action by the due date meant it lapsed into law. Under Filipino rules a bill lapses into law in 30 days if a president fails to act on it.
Victor Rodriguez, executive secretary of new president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, has been quoted as saying Marcos “allowed the bill to lapse” without his signature on Monday, 25th July, the day he delivered his first State of the Nation address.