Steer Clear of Tobacco Industry, PSFM Tells 2025 Election Hopefuls

The Philippine Smoke-Free Movement (PSFM), a network of over 100 organizations and individuals, warned Eleksyon 2025 candidates to steer clear of unnecessary ties with the tobacco industry at its year-end assembly.

“The tobacco industry has a long history of using biased research and CSR to mislead leaders and undermine public health. We call on the candidates for Eleksyon 2025 to pledge to protect our children from the evils of smoking and vaping. The public, as voters, demands future government leaders to prioritize policies that will reduce the consumption and exposure of the youth to these harmful products,” said PSFM National Coordinator Rizza Duro.

As the May 2025 elections draw near, the tobacco industry is poised to heavily fund candidates who may favor its interests over public health. The 2023 Asian Tobacco Industry Interference Index shows how the industry exploits elections, using financial clout to gain political influence.

“Every year, 112,000 Filipinos die due to tobacco-related diseases—deaths that could have been prevented. As a doctor, it’s both frustrating and alarming to witness so many lives lost, especially when the right leadership and actions could have saved them. To all candidates, whether you win or lose, let your legacy be one of compassion and integrity. Bear in mind that your constituents’ right to health depends on you!” said Dr. Madeleine Valera, the Senior Technical Advisor of Vital Strategies.

Efigenia Casal, a community leader from Aktibong Kilusan Tungo sa Iisang Bayan (AKTIB), called out candidates who accepted and will accept any kind of support from the tobacco industry, emphasizing how this betrayal allows the industry to abuse grassroots communities. She warned that such actions directly endanger the health, well-being, and future of families who are already striving for a better life.

Labor leader Padjo Valdenor urged candidates to take a strong stand against the tobacco industry’s efforts to undermine workplace safety. He pointed out that tobacco use adversely affects the health and productivity of the workforce. He highlighted that in 2021, the country faced an economic loss of ₱365 billion due to tobacco-related diseases—far surpassing the ₱176 billion in tobacco tax revenues collected that same year.

The Deputy Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), Aurora Quilala, expressed concern over the troubling rise of pro-tobacco industry leaders in recent years. She emphasized that the upcoming election is critical, warning that if this trend continues, it could not only further jeopardize public health and children and youth, but also undo the progress made in the fight against smoking and vaping.

The PSFM also appealed to voters to support and choose smoke-free and vape-free champions.

“Over 18,000 elective positions are at stake in the upcoming midterm elections. Voters, please do your research! Kilalanin po natin ang ating mga iboboto. May utang na loob po ba ang kandidato ninyo sa isang industriya na pumapatay? Kung oo, asahan po natin na itataya nila ang kalusugan ng bayan para protektahan ang interes ng industriya na tumulong sa kanila sa eleksyon,” said PSFM youth leader Jia Sentorias.

Today, 1 in 5 Filipino adults or over 15.1 million people use tobacco, while 1 in 7 students aged 13-15 use e-cigarettes.