Advocates in the Philippines are calling attention to the growing influence of the tobacco industry on the country’s political landscape.
11 October, Manila: While filing of candidacy for the May 2025 elections ended this week, concerns have arisenover the growing influence of the tobacco industry on Philippine politics. The election season presents a prime opportunity for the tobacco industry to employ its usual tactics to sway politicians to promote its vested interests at the expense of public health.
Public health advocates called for vigilance, particularly after the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an opinionstating that Joint Memorandum Circular 2010-01 (JMC) of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Department of Health (DOH) applies only to individuals, not to government offices and agencies. This opinion came after Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian sought clarification from theDOJ following a donation of three mobile health clinics from Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. (PMFTC).
The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), ratified by the Philippines,mandates governments to reject donations from the tobacco industry, as these create conflicts of interest for government officials. Yet, the DOJ’s opinion opens the door for interference by the tobacco industry, undermining the country’s commitment to public health protection.
With the May 2025 elections approaching, the tobacco industry is expected to invest heavily in political candidates, who may prioritize industry interests over the health and well-being of Filipinos.
The 2023 Asian Tobacco Industry Interference Index reveals how the tobacco industry exploits the electoral process, leveraging its financial power to gain political influence to advance its corporate agenda, threatening the country’s efforts to reduce tobacco-related deaths and illnesses.
The Philippines loses PHP 414 billion (USD 7.28 billion) annually to tobacco-related healthcare costs, and tobaccokills 117,000 Filipinos each year. Yet, the tobacco industry strategically uses fake charity disguised as corporate social responsibility (CSR) to whitewash its deadly image and gain favor with public officials. As an industry that profits from disease and death, its involvement in the upcoming elections is a serious concern for public health.
“We urge every Filipino to stay vigilant throughout the election season and scrutinize the supporters of candidates, particularly businesses that cause harm to health, society, the economy, and the environment. The tobacco industry will use its deep pockets to support candidates who are likely to back its interests once elected. Do not vote forthose candidates,” said Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo, Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance.
“Voters must demand transparency, accountability, and a strong commitment to public health from candidates to ensure that the well-being of Filipinos remains a strong priority,” added Dorotheo.
Contact Information:
Ms Val Bugnot, Media and Communications Manager, SEATCA
Email: val@seatca.org Mobile: +63 917 312 4600
About SEATCA
SEATCA is a multi-sectoral non-governmental alliance promoting health and saving lives by assisting ASEAN countries to accelerate and effectively implement the tobacco control measures contained in the WHO FCTC. Acknowledged by governments, academic institutions, and civil society for its advancement of tobacco control in Southeast Asia, the WHO bestowed on SEATCA the World No Tobacco Day Award in 2004 and the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award in 2014. SEATCA is an accredited ASEAN entity and an official Observer to the WHO FCTC Conference of Parties.