A manifesto against tobacco industry interference was launched by over 100 organizations and individuals, calling on the government to take ‘immediate and decisive action’ on the ‘manipulative and deceptive tactics’ that are making young people addicted to nicotine-based products.
Released in Pasig City last week, the manifesto, co-developed by the TobaccOFF NOW! Movement with 79 youth organizations, serves as a collective stand from young Filipinos, who are asserting their right to ‘shape our own lives’ and ‘refuse to let our health and well-being be compromised by the tobacco industry.’
This, as they hit what they have described as the tobacco industry’s desire to create a new generation addicted to traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes/vapes, nicotine pouches, and other nicotine-based products, saying that ‘we will not be deceived and manipulated, nor will we be a casualty in a public health crisis that is not of our making.’
‘The time for silent acceptance is over. This is our collective voice and our commitment,’ they said as they demanded that the government consider raising the restricted age for nicotine products, eliminating the flavors of electronic cigarettes/vapes, and terminating ‘appealing’ packaging designs.
As pointed out in the manifesto, there should also be stronger regulations on the distribution of nicotine products, as well as the imposition of a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising, sales, and promotions of nicotine-based products, and an increased tax ‘to create an economic barrier that serves as a powerful deterrent to youth consumption.’
‘We have seen the alarming rise of a new generation hooked on traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes/vapes, and other nicotine-based products, with 1 in 7 Filipino youth having tried e-cigarettes/vapes at least once in their lives,’ said the manifesto, which was released on the celebration of World Lung Day.
They said ‘we demand accountability from those who profit from our suffering and courage from those who govern our nation to make us, the young people of this country, your priority.’
The event drew a diverse crowd, including representatives from leading tobacco control and public health organizations such as ImagineLaw, the Philippine Smoke-free Network, HealthJustice Philippines, Transcend, and the Ateneo School of Government, highlighting the widespread support for the movement’s mission of highlighting youth voices.