AN anti-smoking advocacy group yesterday challenged Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to prove that he remains a “tobacco control champion.”
This was in reaction to Herbosa’s interaction in Malacañang last month with executives of a tobacco firm who turned over four mobile clinics to the government.
In a statement, the Sin Tax Coalition said: “We challenge Secretary Herbosa to prove that he is a tobacco control champion, who is genuine in protecting the interest of public health.”
The group said Herbosa must strongly oppose the passage of House Bill 11360, which seeks to lower tobacco excise taxes.
It said Herbosa must call for a substantial increase in excise taxes on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and cigarettes.
The Sin Tax Coalition said the health chief should also push for the reversal of the provisions of Republic Act 11900 (Vape Law) by making it a legislative priority of the DOH.
It added that the DOH must also advocate for stricter legislation for tobacco and recreational nicotine products, including on plain or standardized packaging with larger graphic health warnings, a complete ban on smoking and vaping in all workplaces and indoor public places, and a complete ban on tobacco and e-cigarette advertising, promotion, and sponsorships.
They also dared Herbosa to lead the government bureaucracy, including fellow Cabinet secretaries, in ensuring strict compliance with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), Article 5.3 and Civil Service Commission-Department of Health Joint Memorandum Circular (CSC-DOH JMC) 2010-01.
In a statement released last Friday, the DOH assured the public that it remains against tobacco and vape use.
“Nicotine addiction from tobacco products remains a critical public health challenge in the Philippines,” said the DOH.
This, it said, includes having transactions with the tobacco industry and its executives.
“The DOH continues to refuse and reject all proposed donations by the tobacco industry, whether to its officials or the agency or its units,” said the DOH.
