Legislative staff, civil society advocates convene for forum on tobacco control

Legislative staff, secretariat members from both houses of Congress, and civil society advocates gathered in Quezon City on August 8 for a policy forum organized by the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) and the Child Rights Network. The forum, titled “Making Tobacco-Free Generation Possible through Legislative Action,” highlighted the critical need to protect children and youth from the harms of tobacco and nicotine addiction.

PLCPD Executive Director Mr. Romeo C. Dongeto opened the forum by highlighting the toll of the tobacco and vaping epidemic on the Filipino youth and by stressing the economic impact of tobacco-related diseases, costing the country 414 billion pesos, alongside the immeasurable social costs associated with tobacco use.

Dr. Ria Rachel Tan of the Department of Health – Health Promotion Bureau, one of the resource persons during the activity, emphasized that tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of death in the Philippines and noted the alarming rise in e-cigarette use among the youth. She outlined the Department of Health’s tobacco control policy direction through the National Tobacco Prevention and Control Strategy 2030 and stressed the legislative priorities for the 19th Congress.

Atty. Benedict G. Nisperos of HealthJustice reinforced the Philippines’ commitment as a signatory to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), particularly in promoting a 100% smoke-free environment.

Ms. Pia Rodrigo of Action for Economic Reforms then presented a case for higher tobacco taxes, highlighting the challenges posed by the rampant illicit trade of tobacco products and its impact on declining excise tax collections.

Ms. Rizza Duro of the Philippine-Smoke Movement urged support for key tobacco control policies in the 19th Congress, specifically advocating for the passage of House Bill 5315 (Smoke-free Environments Bill), and House Bill 10329 (Anti-Illicit Tobacco Trade Act).

In response, stakeholders and duty-bearers reiterated the need for stronger regulation of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices, particularly in protecting children and youth. The forum featured video messages of support from Atty. Fhilip Sawali (Department of Trade and Industry), Rep. Antonino Calixto (Lone District, Pasay City), Rep. Ray Florence Reyes (Anakalusugan Partylist), Rep. Irene Gay Saulog (Kalinga Partylist), Rep. Raoul Danniel Manuel (Kabataan Partylist), Senator Francis Tolentino (Senate Majority Floor Leader), and Senator Francis Escudero (Senate President).

The forum facilitated dialogue among stakeholders, identified crucial policy solutions to address gaps in tobacco control legislation, and emphasized the importance of safeguarding the policymaking process from tobacco industry interference.