Cancer survivors seek vigilance vs tobacco industry

MANILA, Philippines - The New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP), a group of survivors of laryngeal cancer, yesterday urged the public to be vigilant against increased tobacco industry interference as the 2016 elections are approaching.

NVAP president Emer Rojas also cautioned candidates that a Code of Conduct for government officials exists where public officials are prohibited from engaging with the tobacco industry.

Rojas was referring to the joint Civil Service Commission and the Department of Health’s Joint Memorandum Circular 2010-01 that was in effect since five years ago.

“As candidates start preparing for the national elections, we expect tobacco makers to increase their influence over government and policy development by supporting some politicians. Let this come as a warning that we in the health community will be watching you and we will expose you,” he said.

Citing the 2015 Tobacco Interference Index report of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance, Rojas noted that while the government has made some improvement in controlling unnecessary interaction with cigarette makers, it still rated low compared to other countries in the region that have stronger protection mechanisms from the industry.

He added that tobacco makers in the Philippines, like in previous elections, are poised to meddle in government by supporting candidates through donating funds for the election campaign disguised as corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, especially in disaster-stricken areas.

“The tobacco industry uses CSR to circumvent the law because they are prevented from promoting their products in paid media. They instead partner with public officials to conduct CSR activities, mostly in local government units, but actually their aim is to promote their deadly products,” he said.