On 3 July, SEATCA gathered public health experts, tobacco control advocates and government agencies online for #TheUnfilteredTruth Webinar Series: Protecting tobacco tax from industry sabotage to educate government agencies and advocates how the tobacco industry undermines tobacco tax policies especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. 

We heard from several experts including World Health Organization (WHO) Tobacco Control Economics Coordinator, Mr. Jeremias N. Paul; SEATCA’s Tobacco Tax Program Manager, Ms. Sophapan Ratanachena-McWhortor; University of Cape Town, South Africa, Research on Economics of Excisable Products, Principal Research Officer, Dr. Hana Ross, Department of Finance (DOF) Philippines, Fiscal Policy and Planning Office OIC Director IV, Ms. Rowena Sta. Clara; and SEATCA’s Senior Policy Advisor, Dr. Mary Assunta. 

SEATCA’s new report, “Still Defective: Asia Illicit Tobacco Indicator 2017 Report” was also presented during the event. 

Many thanks to everyone who attended this webinar and watch out for the next webinar SEATCA is hosting this coming August.