School officials warned vs tobacco industry interference

MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Leonor Briones has warned school officials against interference from the tobacco industry, reminding them of existing guidelines that prohibit any form of donation from tobacco companies.

Briones issued a memorandum following the release of the latest Tobacco Industry Inference Index Philippine Report, which cited instances of tobacco companies engaging in activities such as feeding programs and giving donations to schools.

“The Department of Education reiterates the policies on the protection against tobacco industry interference in the department,” Briones said, citing a previous DepEd order and a joint memorandum order issued by the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Health.

“Tobacco industry interference refers to the broad array of tactics and strategies utilized by the tobacco industry to influence or interfere with the setting and implementation of tobacco control policies,” she said.

Under existing guidelines, DepEd employees, including school officials and teachers, should not give preferential treatment or have unnecessary interaction with the tobacco industry.

They are also not allowed to accept any gift, donation or sponsorships from the tobacco industry, either directly or through third parties such as stakeholders and education partners.

Employees are also required to disclose any financial or other forms of conflict of interest with the industry.

Violation of the guidelines may result in administrative proceedings for grave or simple misconduct depending on the gravity of the act.

“(All DepEd offices) shall include a provision in all memoranda of agreement entered into with donors and partners stating full commitment of all parties concerned to tobacco control implementation, and stipulating that said donor or partner does not represent the interests of or receive funding from the tobacco industry,” Briones said.