DOH reaffirms position vs tobacco, vape products

The Department of Health (DOH) reaffirmed its stance against tobacco and vape products during a meeting with health reform advocates on Thursday.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa and Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo met with HealthJustice Philippines President Mary Ann Mendoza and Board Member Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan to discuss the country's commitment to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), an international health treaty the Philippines signed in 2003 and ratified in 2005.

“The DOH has not accepted, and continues to refuse and reject all donations by the tobacco industry, whether to its officials or the agency or its units,” Domingo said in a statement sent to reporters.

“We thank allies like HealthJustice who continually remind us of the perils of tobacco and vape, and who are aware of the legal mandate and scope of the Department,” Domingo added.

The meeting followed criticism of Herbosa by some health reform advocates for posing with executives from Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Co. during an event at Malacañang.

“We appreciate the opportunity for dialogue and look forward to concrete actions that uphold the integrity of our shared public health commitments,” HealthJustice said in a separate statement.

“HealthJustice remains firmly committed to protecting public health, upholding the principles of the FCTC, and holding all institutions accountable to their obligations under the law,” it added.