July: Using a known intimidation tactic of the tobacco industry to jeopardize, weaken or delay life-saving tobacco control measures all over the world, the Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI), representing Philip Morris and other tobacco companies, has filed two court cases challenging the city government of Balanga for its anti-smoking ordinances.
In a statement released 9 July 2018, SEATCA expressed disgust that a multi-billion dollar industry is suing a small city like Balanga. If Philip Morris is genuinely supportive of a smoke-free world, it should be supporting not opposing Balanga’s efforts to protect present and future generations from the harms of tobacco and nicotine addiction, in line with the global health treaty, the WHO FCTC.
