Colombian lawmaker Cathy Juvinao was not ready for all the smoke.
The Bogotá Congresswoman went viral earlier this week when she was caught vaping during a session to discuss health system reforms.
The camera was focused on House of Representatives President Jaime Salamanca as he was about to call Juvinao to address her fellow lawmakers during Tuesday’s session.
Juvinao, a member of the Green Alliance, could be seen inhaling from a yellow vaping device and apparently noticed that the camera had zoomed in on her.
She blew the smoke out and quickly tucked the vape away from the camera’s view.
Juviano acknowledge she was at fault for not following the law that bans the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes across indoor settings.
‘I apologize to the citizens for what happened yesterday in the plenary session,’ the embarrassed lawmaker wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
‘I will not join the bad example that is currently dominating public discourse and it will not be repeated,’ Juvinao added.
‘Rest assured that today I will continue to fight from the House with the same arguments and rigor as always.’
Rival congressional members were quick to pounce on Juvinao lack of judgement.
‘Dear Representative Cathy Juvinao, Bill 2354 of 2024 prohibits the use of vapes in closed spaces, such as offices, bars, restaurants, and public transportation,’ Cundinamarca Representative Eduard Sarmiento wrote on X.
‘The goal is to protect non-smokers from exposure to vapor. No cheap moralism, but the laws must be followed,’ the Historic Pact party member said.
Gustavo Bolivar, who oversees the Social Prosperity agency, which advocates for social inclusion and reconciliation, mocked Juvinao for constantly voting against measures that promote health entities.
‘If Congresswoman Juvinao does not care about destroying her health, in the midst of a debate on health, what will she care about the health of the poorest Colombians?’ Bolivar said, as quoted by Semana news magazine.
Industry and Commerce Superintendent, Cielo Rusinque, called out Juvinao for appearing to be above the law.
‘Man, what is eloquent about the image of Representative Juvinao vaping in Congress is her attitude and reaction to feeling observed,’ Rusinque wrote on X.
‘The obvious will to deceive, the full awareness of doing something prohibited by Colombian law but at the same time the tranquility with which she was going through the motions in that same ‘temple of democracy’ that recently decided to enact it.’
In May, President Gustavo signed Bill 2354 to tighten the adverting, sale, use and promotion of vapes and electronic cigarettes.
The bipartisan legislation amended Bill 1335, which was signed into effect in 2009 and offered protection for the health of the public, including children and people who do not smoke, and banned the indoors use of such products.
Read more
