According to the Philippine Star, during the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10), the Philippines committed to strengthening its anti-smoking measures in accordance with the World Health Organization’s international treaty.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control during the 10th Conference of the Parties in Panama.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said: “The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has made a strong commitment to the 10th Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to further strengthen the fight against tobacco use in the Philippines. s hard work."
The recent Philippine Global Adult Tobacco Survey showed a significant decline in tobacco use from 23.8% in 2015 to 19.5% in 2021, which Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevara applauded. On the other hand, he acknowledged that challenges remain.
"This key achievement is the result of a collective and balanced approach, with whole-of-society and whole-of-government efforts to advocate and implement effective policy and legislative measures," he said.
In addition, Guevara also mentioned that the Philippine government will be able to earn US$3 billion from excise taxes on tobacco and vapor products in 2022.
"In order to comply with Article 6 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the Philippines has been increasing excise tax rates on cigarettes and tobacco products since the relevant laws were enacted in 2012, making cigarettes cheaper and thereby reducing consumption," he said.
Guevara also said that the Philippine government will continue to dialogue, cooperate and share experiences with other parties to overcome various challenges in achieving the goals of the treaty.
