Philippine Health Department Reiterates Anti-Tobacco Stance in Meeting

Apr.11

Philippine Health Department reaffirms commitment to WHO tobacco control framework, rejects donations from tobacco industry.

Key takeaways:

The Department of Health in the Philippines convenes a meeting with health reform advocates to discuss the country's commitment to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Minister of Health, Herbosa, emphasized that the Ministry of Health firmly rejects any donations from the tobacco industry, including donations to its officials, institutions, or departments.

Health reform advocates stated that they will continue to educate the public on the dangers of tobacco and e-cigarettes, support the principles of the FCTC, and demand that all institutions uphold their legal obligations.

According to a report by Tribune on April 10th, the Department of Health in the Philippines held a meeting with health reform advocates, reaffirming their stance against tobacco and e-cigarette products.

Minister of Health Ted Herbosa and Assistant Minister Albert Domingo met with Health Justice Philippines President Mary Ann Mendoza and board member Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan to discuss the country's commitment to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), an international health treaty that the Philippines signed in 2003 and ratified in 2005.

Health Minister Herbosa emphasized during the meeting that the Ministry of Health firmly rejects any donations from the tobacco industry, including donations to its officials, institutions, or departments.

Assistant Minister Domingo pointed out in a statement issued to the press:

Health Justice consistently reminds us of the dangers of tobacco and e-cigarettes, and understands the legal responsibilities and jurisdictions of the Department of Health.

Previously, Minister Herbosa's meeting with executives from PMI tobacco company at the Marakkanan Palace was criticized by some health reform advocates. In a separate statement, Health Justice expressed their strong commitment to protecting public health, supporting the principles of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and calling on all institutions to uphold their legal obligations.

Main image source: Philippines Department of Health

References:

[1] DOH reaffirms position vs tobacco, vape products Read more at: https://tribune.net.ph/2025/04/10/doh-reaffirms-position-vs-tobacco-vape-products Read more Daily Tribune stories at: https://tribune.net.ph/ Follow us on our social media Facebook: @tribunephl Youtube: TribuneNow Twitter: @tribunephl Instagram: @tribunephl TikTok: @dailytribuneofficial

Also Read:

[1] Warning from Philippine Department of Health: Rising Tobacco and E-cigarette Use

[2] Crackdown on Illegal Sales of E-Cigarettes in Philippines Capital

[3] New Regulations to Combat Illegal Trade of E-Cigarettes in Philippines

[4] BIR to Intensify Enforcement Against Illegal E-cigarette and Cigarette Trading

[5] Philippine Customs Seize Billions Worth of Smuggled Items in 2024

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