Manila, Philippines
As the country observed World No Tobacco Day (every May 31st) and National No Smoking Month (every June in the Philippines), public health advocates, medical societies, and tobacco control groups are urging Congress to advance a comprehensive legislative agenda to prevent youth addiction to tobacco and nicotine products.
Health advocates raised concern over the growing popularity of vapes, electronic smoking devices, and other novel nicotine products, many of which are marketed through flavors, attractive packaging, and online promotions that appeal to young people.
The coalition called for stronger protections around schools, expanded smoke-free and vape-free public spaces, higher tobacco and nicotine taxes, tougher action against illicit trade, and standardized (plain) packaging to reduce the appeal of tobacco and nicotine products.
Among the measures receiving support are Senate Bill No. 29, which strengthens protections around schools and youth-centered spaces, and House Bill No. 9603, authored by Rep. Krisel Lagman, which expands smoke-free and vape-free protections in public areas.
Dr. Maria Encarnita “Maricar” Limpin, Executive Director of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Philippines, said the tobacco and nicotine industry continues to evolve its products and marketing strategies, making comprehensive policies more important than ever.
“Protecting Filipino children and young people requires a comprehensive approach-from school-zone protections and smoke-free environments to taxation, anti-illicit trade measures, and standardized packaging that removes product appeal,” Limpin said.
Roberto Del Rosario, President of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP), stressed the importance of keeping schools and youth spaces free from tobacco and nicotine marketing and sales.
Rep. Lagman emphasized that stronger smoke-free and vape-free laws are essential to protecting public health, noting that every Filipino has the right to breathe clean air.
Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo, Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), said regional experience shows that measures such as higher taxes, standardized packaging, comprehensive advertising bans, and strong enforcement can reduce tobacco use and youth initiation.
Medical organizations, including the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP), Philippine Heart Association (PHA), and Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS), also warned of the long-term health risks of tobacco and nicotine addiction and called for stronger safeguards to protect children and adolescents.
The coalition emphasized that youth protection measures, smoke-free laws, taxation, anti-illicit trade efforts, standardized packaging, and comprehensive advertising bans should be pursued together as part of a robust and cohesive public health strategy to reduce tobacco and nicotine usage, prevent death and diseases arising from them, and protect future generations from becoming victims of these insidious products.
#World No TobaccoDay
#NationalNoSmokingMonth
#UnmaskTheAppeal
#ProtectThe Youth
#SmokeVapeFreePhilippines
#Plain Packaging Now
#HealthOverProfits
Contact: Dr. Maricar Limpin
Mobile: 09176283502
Position: Executive Director
Organization: Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Philippines