Government urged to regulate local tobacco industry

Philip Morris Philippines (PMPh) is urging government to regulate the tobacco industry strongly and effectively in the Philippines and elsewhere in Asia.

The call comes at a time when the World Health Organization (WHO) and its member states discuss a proposed worldwide Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) that can well shape how tobacco products are sold here.

"Regulation will be good for the Philippines, for our consumers, and for our business," said PMPh corporate affairs director Renato Salud in underscoring Philip Morris’ support for WHO’s FCTC globally and locally.

"Regulation will provide the predictability and stability that comes from knowing what the rules are, knowing that the rules apply to everyone, and knowing that the rules will be strictly monitored and enforced," Salud added.

However, Salud also emphasized that regulation must be pursued through measures that respect and preserve the rights of adults who choose to smoke.

In elaborating on Philip Morris’ position on tobacco-related regulatory issues, Salud highlighted Philip Morris Philippines’ support for the WHO in the following areas:

• Providing the public with a single, consistent public health message that cigarette smoking causes diseases and is addictive;

• Mandating responsible marketing practices that apply equally to all manufacturers;

• Establishing an international standard for the disclosure of ingredients and smoke constituents such as tar and nicotine;

• Reducing or eliminating smuggling and counterfeiting; and

• Establishing internationally accepted standards for the development of reduced-risk tobacco products for adult consumers who choose to smoke.

Worldwide, Philip Morris International participates in more than 130 youth smoking prevention programs in nearly 70 countries.

In Asia, Philip Morris undertakes a range of these programs independently and with public health authorities, social groups and tobacco industry members.

These includes a media campaign in Malaysia and a value formation and education program called "I Am Strong... I Am Responsible" in the Philippines.

Designed to help the youth on virtues and values formation to strengthen their character and ability to handle peer pressure in such areas as friendship, dealings with the opposite sex, school and home life, including smoking and drinking, the "I Am Strong... I Am Responsible" program was endorsed by then Education Secretary Andrew Gonzalez for inclusion in the public high school curricula.

Philip Morris also strongly supports the national legislation for minimum age laws for the sale of tobacco in every country. Currently several Asian countries, including the Philippines, do not have such laws.

Salud emphasized, though, that any worldwide tobacco treaty must also preserve rights of adults to choose to smoke, of sovereign nations to have their own taxation policies, and of various sectors to resolve tobacco issues through constructive dialogue. "Philip Morris is committed to open dialogues and cooperation with the WHO, government and all interest parties in the Philippines to make a worldwide tobacco treaty a reality," he added.

Philip Morris Companies Inc. – the largest producer and marketer of consumer packaged goods – consist of five operating companies: Kraft Foods Inc. (comprising Kraft Foods North America and Kraft Foods International), Miller Brewing Co., Philip Morris USA, Philip Morris International, and Philip Morris Capital Corp.