PSFM dismayed over First Lady, DA secretary’s support for tobacco industry

The Philippine Smoke-Free Movement (PSFM), a coalition of over 100 organizations, expressed dismay over the display of support by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. for the tobacco industry.

“Last 15 April 2024, the First Lady and DA Secretary Tiu attended the inauguration of the ‘Smoke-Free’ Products Manufacturing Facility of Philip Morris International (PMI) and its Philippine subsidiary PMFTC Inc. in Tanauan, Batangas. It is disheartening to witness prominent figures lending their credibility and influence to an industry that harms public health, particularly the youth. Their attendance not only tacitly endorses dangerous products but also undermines crucial public health and tobacco control efforts. This makes us wonder: Is the administration truly putting public health first, or is the profit-making of the tobacco industry more important?” asked PSFM National Coordinator Rizza Duro.

The PSFM emphasized that these “smoke-free” products cause EVALI or E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injury, a severe lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping products.

While the exact cause is still under investigation, it is believed that vitamin E acetate, an additive found in some THC-containing vaping products, may have played a role in causing lung injuries.

Citing the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), which indicates that 1 out of every 7 children aged 13-15 years old currently use e-cigarettes, PSFM stressed the urgency of addressing youth tobacco use and promoting safe and proven quitting smoking aids such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

“The ‘smoke-free’ products and the ‘less harmful’ narrative used by the tobacco industry are marketing tactics designed to lure younger generations. We should recognize these products for what they are: not safe. It has been a struggle to make significant strides against cigarette addiction in the past decades. While progress is being made, the rise of vaping poses a new challenge in our fight against nicotine addiction,” said Duro.

The PSFM also reminded all public servants of their obligation to adhere to Article 5 of the World Health Organization – Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO – FCTC) and Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 of 2010 (JMC). These regulations strictly prohibit any unwarranted engagements of governments with the tobacco industry.