PMI eyes Philippines as export hub for smoke-free products

Citing the Philippines’ ‘very progressive’ regulation and investment-friendly environment, Philip Morris International (PMI) is eyeing to make the country an ‘export hub’ for its science-based smoke-free products, company officials said.

PMI CEO Jacek Olczak also noted that the company has not built a single cigarette factory over the last 10 years and has converted some of its plants, including one in the Philippines, into smoke-free facilities.

Christos Kiritsis, vice president of Smoke Free Products for South and Southeast Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States and Middle East and Africa Region of PMI, said the Philippines is one of the countries where smoke-free products are properly regulated.

He said the Philippines’ ‘very progressive regulatory framework’ makes it an ideal country to have investments in smoke-free products ‘not only for the local market, but also for exportation.’

‘We want to make it eventually an export hub, especially for products like the SFP (smoke-free product),’ Kiritsis told visiting Filipino journalists on the sidelines of the ‘Technovation 2025’ event at the W Hotel The Palm here.

‘Its (Philippines) regulatory (system) has the right framework, it’s an investment-friendly country and has also the size and the population of the local market that is also important for us,’ he said.

In the Philippines, PMI offers smoke-free alternatives such as the heated tobacco product, IQOS and ZYN nicotine pouch, which provide nicotine without burning tobacco.

Olczak said PMI has invested $14 billion globally for more than a decade now developing smoke-free products as alternatives to cigarettes for legal-age adults.

Currently, 41 percent of its global net revenues come from its smoke-free business, company officials said.

‘We’re working on another version of IQOS, another version of improved pouches and other versions of e-vapor. But look, the way to look into this, if we have invested over $14 billion, it demonstrates how serious we are,’ Olczak said.

‘We’re adding to this (investment), which means we’re even more serious than we were before,’ he said.

The 1.2-hectare plant of the PMI and its Philippine affiliate PMFTC Inc. in Tanauan City, Batangas, which was inaugurated last year, has been producing specially designed tobacco sticks for PMI’s smoke-free products.

‘The only factories we did were either fully smoke-free or we’re converting the (factories) because we also take care of the employment. OK, cigarettes (production and use) will be going down, (but) the same people will be retrained and produce more (smoke-free products),’ Olczak said.

With still 16 million smokers, Kiritsis said PMI is also looking at expanding the commercialization of its more affordable smoke-free products in the Philippines.

‘It’s (Philippines) a big market, still (with) a big amount of smokers. We need to make sure that they have all the options so they can make the best choice for them,’ he said.

According to Kiritsis, Bonds, PMI’s second heat-not-burn device, was piloted in the Philippines years ago.

‘I guess it’s something that we will see back (in the) Philippines at some point,’ he said, adding the device has been developed especially for Asian markets.

‘So, it’s going closer to the lower price of cigarettes, just to make sure that it becomes accessible to the majority of the consumers,’ Kiritsis said.

‘But the essence is developing a scientifically substantiated device that will reduce by 95 percent all the harmful substances,’ he added.

Of the one billion smokers worldwide, roughly 41 million adults are users of PMI smoke-free products as of the first half, the company said.

Senate won’t be held hostage by any member – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the National Assembly will not allow any lawmaker to hold the legislature ‘hostage,’ stressing that discipline and adherence to institutional rules are vital for the survival of Nigeria’s democracy.

Akpabio made this known in a statement on Saturday by his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, titled ‘The Trials and Triumphs of a Resilient Nigeria’s 10th Senate.’

He explained that the Senate’s resolve to uphold its standing orders was not aimed at stifling dissent but rather to preserve order and protect the sanctity of democratic institutions.

‘Without a doubt, Nigeria’s Senate belongs in that global fellowship of parliaments that recognise chaos as the heart of anarchy and order as the soul of democracy.

‘Its insistence on upholding internal discipline and protecting the authority of its leadership is, therefore, neither personal nor punitive. It is institutional self-preservation,’ Akpabio said.

He noted that the Upper Chamber’s determination not to be swayed by any individual was a reaffirmation of collective responsibility over ‘individual grandstanding.’

‘When the chamber asserts that it will not be held hostage by the disruptive instincts of any single member, it is affirming the primacy of collective responsibility over individual grandstanding. This is how strong legislatures endure: not by silencing dissent, but by ensuring that dissent respects the bounds of procedure,’ he stated.

Akpabio further emphasized that parliamentary discipline is a universal principle in democratic governance, citing examples from established democracies.

‘The discipline of parliamentary conduct is a universal marker of political civilisation. In the United Kingdom’s House of Commons, the authority of the Speaker is absolute and unchallenged, ensuring that debates proceed with respect and precision. No member, regardless of party or popularity, may openly defy the Speaker’s ruling without consequences.

‘In Canada’s Parliament, even the fiercest partisans understand that procedure is sacred. Heated disagreements are channelled through decorum, not chaos. Similarly, in Australia, the Senate’s ability to hold the executive accountable depends not on the whims of politics but on the meticulous enforcement of rules that keep legislative integrity intact,’ Akpabio said.

He maintained that strong democracies thrive not by avoiding dissent but by managing it within the limits of procedure and respect for institutional order.

‘In any democracy, the question is never whether there will be dissent. Instead, it is always about how it will be handled. The real measure of a democratic institution is how it handles internal turbulence.

‘The Tenth Senate has faced its fair share of provocations and personality clashes, yet it has consistently chosen the path of principle over populism. When it insists that rules must be followed and that leadership must be respected, it is not acting out of pride but out of duty. Every time the Senate enforces its Standing Orders, it sends a message that Nigeria’s democracy is strong enough to discipline itself,’ the statement added.

EU sends P50.8 million in aid for quake-hit Cebu

The European Union has released pound 750,000-or roughly P50.8 million-in humanitarian aid to help communities affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu last week.

In a statement late Friday, October 10, the EU said the funding will go toward emergency relief for displaced families, including shelter, clean water and sanitation.

‘The European Union expresses its solidarity with the people affected by the earthquake,’ the delegation said, adding that it is monitoring the situation ‘for possible further assistance.’

Of the total allocation, pound 250,000 (P16.9 million) will support the Philippine Red Cross in delivering cash assistance, tents, household items, and healthcare services to those who lost their homes. The funding forms part of the EU’s contribution to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund.

This latest release adds to the pound 7.3 million (P495 million) in humanitarian aid the EU has already allocated to the Philippines this year, including pound 1.3 million (P88 million) in assistance after typhoons that hit the country in July and September.

The aid will be channeled through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, or ECHO, the EU’s disaster response arm based in Brussels.

‘With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year,’ the statement said.

The EU said it remains ready to provide additional assistance as the impact of the quake continues to be assessed.

Devastating quakes. The Cebu earthquake left 74 people dead and displaced thousands after it struck off the province’s northern coast on September 30.

Another severe tremor at magnitude 7.4 struck of the coast of Davao on Friday. Authorities are still assessing the damage as the area is still affected by subsequent quakes and tsunami warnings.

Adesua Etomi opens up on postpartum struggles

Actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington has melted hearts with an emotional post celebrating her second son, Zekiah, as he clocks one.

Taking to her Instagram page, Adesua poured out heartfelt prayers and gratitude to God for her son’s life, describing him as a symbol of God’s faithfulness and joy in their home.

‘We can’t believe today is your first birthday, Zekiah. We are all deeply in love with you, our strong-willed baby, our sunshine, our bundle of joy with a PhD in facial expressions,’ she began.

‘You are evidence of God’s faithfulness. He is indeed a promise keeper. You are so beautiful and have brought so much joy and laughter into our home. You are proof that God still answers prayers. but also steals your sleep. Proof that one can rule the house with maximum authority and two teeth.’

‘How did we get so blessed? How is this beautiful life ours? Hezekiah Oluwadarasimi, just like your name means ‘Yahweh strengthens’ and ‘God is good to me,’ we declare over your life that Yahweh will always strengthen you and be good to you. You will shine everywhere you go. Your life will be a series of tangible, indisputable evidence that Jesus is alive and God is good. Happy birthday, Kai Kai. Have an amazing life, in Jesus name, Amen.’

The actress shared glimpses of her postpartum journey, describing the experience as both humbling and intense. She admitted that ‘postpartum hair shedding is brutal’ and used the opportunity to reflect on her earlier struggles with motherhood.

On Mother’s Day, Adesua had recounted the difficult moments following childbirth, from an emergency C-section, sleepless nights, endless bleeding, and cracked nipples, to the emotional toll of recovery. Despite the challenges, she expressed that she would ‘do it all again’ for her sons.

Earlier this year, while reacting to the tragic story of a woman who took her life after battling hyperemesis gravidarum, the actress opened up about her own experience with the severe condition. She thanked her husband, Banky W, her doctors, and family for their unwavering support during that difficult period.

During her birthday celebration in February, Adesua also revealed that 2024 was a trying year, sharing that she was hospitalized for hyperemesis, underwent an emergency C-section, and supported her husband as he battled a cancerous tumor.

Despite it all, the actress continues to exude gratitude, faith, and strength, celebrating motherhood as a divine gift and her sons as living testaments to God’s goodness.

Magalong defends award of infra deal to Discaya firm

Amid increasing public scrutiny, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong yesterday defended the construction of the P110-million sports and parking facilities in Burnham Park, saying the contract was aboveboard.

In an interview with The STAR’s online show ‘Truth on the Line,’ Magalong insisted there was no corruption involved in the awarding of the contract to the Discaya-owned St. Gerrard Construction Corp.

‘Malinis po ‘yan, walang kalokohan (That’s clean, no shenanigans),’ Magalong said, noting the city government is committed to upholding transparency in infrastructure development.

He stressed that when the contract was won through open bidding, the corruption scandal involving the Discayas had not yet come to light.

Magalong said the completion of the project was rushed as the contractor had promised to finish the facilities in January this year.

The rushed completion of the project raised concerns regarding the structural integrity and safety of the facilities.

‘Since January, we have been collecting P20,245 in unliquidated damages every day. We have so far collected P6.6 million,’ he said.

Magalong said the city government has yet to pay the contractor P27 million in remaining balance of the cost of the contract.

He said St. Gerrard resorted to subcontracting or hired another company to undertake the construction. The city government was not immediately informed about the matter, causing concerns about the quality and reliability of the facilities.

Despite the issue, Magalong said the city government allowed the contractor to proceed with the repair and finishing works as filing of charges would further delay the completion.

He said the city engineering office is monitoring the repair.

‘If the defects of the facilities will persist, we will be compelled to file charges against the contractor,’ Magalong said.

The project has drawn flak as it is being undertaken by a company owned by the Discayas, who are currently embroiled in controversial and substandard flood-control projects of the government.

Lagos govt demolishes 17 houses over encroachment

No fewer than 17 houses have been demolished by the Lagos State Government for encroaching on the Right of Way (RoW) of the Ikota River alignment.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, led a monitoring team alongside journalists to the site on Saturday.

Wahab urged residents to desist from actions that destroy the ecosystem, stressing that nature would always retaliate against human negligence and unlawful reclamation.

He said the ministry had received complaints months ago about illegal reclamation efforts aimed at narrowing the river’s RoW.

‘We stopped them then, but we were alerted again recently that the encroachment had resumed aggressively, with attempts to sell to unsuspecting buyers,’ he said.

According to him, the ministry has now taken firm action to stop the encroachment and remove all illegal structures within the area.

He vowed that those behind the activity would be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

On flooding, Wahab said it was impossible to completely prevent flooding in a coastal state like Lagos, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, lagoons, and rivers.

‘What we can do is mitigate its impact through resilient infrastructure, which Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has continued to provide and maintain,’ he said.

He noted that in spite of the government’s daily maintenance of drainage systems, some individuals continued to obstruct waterways for personal gain.

Wahab cited property No. 156 as an example, saying it blocked the coastal road alignment, thereby obstructing the natural flow of water.

He said the property would be cleared to ensure the Ikota channel discharges freely into the Lagos Lagoon.

The commissioner emphasised that demolition was not always the state’s first option, as other corrective measures were sometimes explored.

‘Sometimes, we ask developers to produce practical designs for stormwater discharge, but they must bear the cost, not taxpayers,’ he added.

He described it as irresponsible for government to fix problems created by private individuals who profit from violating environmental regulations.

During an inspection tour of the Lekki-Epe corridor, Wahab decried the massive encroachment on wetlands meant to retain excess water during rainfall.

He said drone surveillance revealed extensive damage to the wetland corridor, where coconut trees initially planted had been destroyed.

According to him, notices were issued to violators on September 26, ahead of upcoming transport infrastructure works on the same route.

He added that the inspection aimed to synchronise environmental preservation with the Ministry of Transport’s Green Line Rail project.

Commissioner for Transport, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the Green Line project would commence in December, following stakeholder consultations and feasibility studies.

He said some car dealers given temporary approval to use power line spaces had violated terms by erecting permanent structures on wetlands.

‘As a state, we must enforce compliance and protect the environment while accommodating transport development,’ Osiyemi said.

He stated that the rail project, spanning from Marina to Epe, would last about three years and operate as an integrated transport solution.

Other locations visited included Chevron Gate off Orchid Road, Partibon Homes, Oral Extension Phase 2, and Park View in Ikoyi.

House reduces OVP’s 2026 budget to P733 million

Citing the disrespect shown by Vice President Sara Duterte for continuously snubbing the budget hearing to defend the proposed P889.2-million budget for the Office of the Vice President, the House of Representatives reduced yesterday the OVP’s budget to P733.2 million.

The amount is the same as the OVP’s 2025 budget.

At yesterday’s period of amendments on the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, House members led by House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos of Ilocos Norte seconded the proposed individual amendment of Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima of ML party-list to cut the OVP’s budget to P733.2 million, from P889.24 million to its 2025 level of P733.2 million, a reduction of P156 million or 17.5 percent.

‘Every peso in this budget is the people’s money. And when we demand accountability, we do so not out of hostility, but out of duty – duty to the Constitution, duty to the people and duty to the truth,’ she added.

De Lima said Duterte repeatedly refused to face the budget hearings, taking the snub as an insult to the House and its members.

‘Let me then again put this on record: VP Sara Duterte’s repeated refusal to face this chamber is an insult. It spits on the duty of accountability, while she clings to millions in public funds she refuses to explain,’ De Lima said.

House approves 2026 budget

The House approved yesterday on second reading the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026.

In the period of amendments at the plenary, the House adopted Marcos’ motion to accept the substitution and amendments introduced by the Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee (BARSc).

Among the key amendments were an additional P56.6-billion allocation for the education sector and the removal of P35.86 billion in unprogrammed appropriations for infrastructure projects.

The BARSC also reallocated P255 billion originally earmarked for flood control projects to boost funding for education, health and social service programs.

The proposed 2026 General Appropriations Bill was approved on second reading following the period of amendments.

The House is scheduled to convene its final session before the Undas break on Oct. 13, to approve the expenditure measure on third and final reading through nominal voting.

The House, meanwhile, rejected the motion of Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno to give a zero budget on unprogrammed appropriations with a total amount of P243,222,549,000.

‘If these items are truly part of the budget priorities, then they should be included in the programmed appropriations of the respective departments’ budgets,’ Diokno said.

Sotto keeps post

Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente Sotto III yesterday presided over a rare plenary session yesterday to adjourn for its Undas break, as he lamented a ‘concerted effort’ to discredit his leadership and unseat him.

Sotto got to retain his leadership post before the session break amid rumors of a coup. He banged the gavel to end the short session attended only by him, Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito and Sen. Robin Padilla to adjourn for the break.

The short session was held to accommodate the House of Representatives’ request to extend its plenary session to next week for it to pass the national budget.

In his speech, Sotto said there is a disinformation network waged against him, falsely accusing him of authoring a bill taxing the income of content creators.

The Senate President denied having authored any tax measure and that he is for lowering – not imposing more – taxes.

‘In my 24 years in the Senate, I have never proposed for any tax measures. In fact, I have consistently voted against it,’ he said.

Non-working ladies earn more than working ladies – Laura Ikeji

Influencer and fashion entrepreneur Laura Ikeji-Kanu has argued that many non-working girls live better and earn more than hardworking women simply because they are beautiful.

In a video on Instagram, Laura expressed concerns about how society seems to reward beauty over genuine hard work.

She noted that girls who don’t work often get more financial rewards and attention than those who put in real effort to build a career or business.

According to her: ‘We are in a country where girls who do not work earn more than girls who work hard, all because they are beautiful. Girls who are fine make so much money’.

Laura encouraged people to support hardworking girls, saying, ‘Please, if you see any hard working girls, always try to support them, no matter what.’

The statement has received mixed reactions, with some praising Laura for speaking the truth and others arguing that beauty and influence have become new forms of work in the digital age.

Of scorpions and snakes

Let me tell you a story. It’s not one of those cute fairy tales where everyone lives happily ever after. This one ends wet, stung and slightly dead.

I first featured this story in my four-volume book set ‘One Day at a Time.’ And now that I am reissuing an updated version of the same book set that was first released some twenty-plus years ago, I am reminded of this story and would like to share it with you.

A scorpion once asked a frog for a favor.

‘Hey, buddy,’ he said, ‘Mind giving me a lift across this pond? I’ll hop on your back, and we’ll both get to the other side.’

The frog looked at him, head tilted like a confused emoji.

‘Are you serious? You’re a scorpion. You sting things. That’s your thing! What if you sting me halfway across and we both drown?’

The scorpion, clearly offended, said, ‘Why would I do that? That’s completely illogical. If I sting you, we both die. No one benefits. Your fear is irrational.’

The frog, clearly a believer in logic and second chances, said, ‘Fair enough. Climb on.’

And so they sailed. Right up until the scorpion, midway across the pond, did precisely what the frog feared: he stung him.

As they began to sink, the frog, struggling to breathe and reason simultaneously, gasped, ‘But. you said. it didn’t make sense!’

To which the scorpion calmly replied: ‘I know. But I’m a scorpion. This isn’t about logic. This is about nature.’

Moral of the story? Don’t argue character with logic. You’ll end up wet, betrayed and wondering why you didn’t just swim alone.

Now, let me take you to the forest. A man is walking along a peaceful path when a snake jumps out and bites him for no reason at all – not even a hiss or a warning.

Ouch. But hey, the man’s close to the village. The bite is painful, but survivable. All he has to do is turn around, limp home and get treatment.

But no. He says, ‘How dare that snake bite me! I’m going after that slippery sucker.’

Fueled by adrenaline and righteous indignation, he charges down the path, determined to make the snake pay. But the more he runs, the faster the venom spreads.

Here is a spoiler alert: He dies, not from the bite, but from the chase. This phenomenon is known as the snake-chasing effect, and most of us are guilty of it.

There are two stories and two lessons.

Lesson one: Stop trusting scorpions to act like frogs.

Some people don’t respond to logic, kindness or even consequences. They don’t need a reason to sting; they do it because it’s who they are.

You lend them money, and they disappear. You give them your trust, and they gossip. You promote them, and they sabotage you.

And then they say things like: ‘Sorry! I’m just being real.’

No, you’re just being a scorpion. Here’s the truth: Character is not negotiable. If someone has shown you their nature more than once, believe them. Don’t carry them across the pond and then act shocked when you start sinking.

Lesson two: Stop chasing snakes.

Let’s face it – we’ve all been bitten. Someone lied. Someone cheated. Someone took credit for your hard work and got promoted while you were left clapping in the back row. And we fume.

‘I’ll make sure they get what’s coming.’

‘They messed with the wrong person.’

So we obsess. Plot. Replay the offense as if it were our favorite movie.

Meanwhile, the venom spreads. That’s when the real damage happens – not from the original wound, but from your refusal to walk away and heal.

Revenge feels good for about five minutes. Then it leaves you emotionally bankrupt and more exhausted than the people you were trying to get even with.

Nelson Mandela said, ‘Resentment is like drinking poison and hoping it will kill your enemy.’

Chasing the snake might feel brave, but it’s actually foolish.

So what do we do? You protect your peace.

You get better at recognizing scorpions. You learn that walking away isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of wisdom. You remind yourself that the greatest revenge is not revenge at all, but success, peace and a good night’s sleep.

In our unguarded moments, we may have been stung, bitten and taken advantage of. What would you and I do?

You take care of your wounds. You walk back to your village. You live.

Because at the end of the day, life is hard enough without scorpions on your back and venom in your veins.

So here’s my advice: Don’t carry what will sink you. Don’t chase what already bit you. And for heaven’s sake, the next time someone with a stinger says, ‘Trust me,’ swim away.

Francis Kong’s podcast ‘Inspiring Excellence’ is now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or other podcast streaming platforms. Tune in to his new YouTube and podcast channel Kongversations – where sharp minds meet smart talk, one meaningful conversation at a time.

First Lady visits Qatar National Library, seeks partnership on education, heritage documentation

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has expressed optimism the ongoing National Library of Nigeria project, when completed, will stand as a modern, fully digitised national pride-serving as a hub for knowledge development and a repository of the nation’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

The First Lady stated this in Doha during a facility tour of the Qatar National Library, which she described as a worthy model and inspiration for Nigeria’s vision of an inclusive, technology-driven knowledge institution.

Tinubu observed that Nigeria, with its deep cultural diversity and robust heritage, must develop a system for proper documentation of its history for posterity.

‘Our youth must have a referral point to know more about the nation,’ she said, emphasising the need for libraries to function as custodians of identity and instruments of intellectual empowerment.

She commended the motto of the Qatar National Library-‘Free Access to Knowledge’-describing it as a guiding principle that aligns with the Renewed Hope vision of fostering education and knowledge equity in Nigeria.

Home to over two million physical books and about 500,000 e-books, the Qatar National Library, located in Education City, Doha, is globally recognized as a monument of cultural preservation and innovation.

The visit marks the First Lady’s first official engagement upon her arrival in Qatar.

According to her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the library tour served as a prelude to her forthcoming engagement with the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.

Tinubu’s discussions with the Foundation are expected to explore partnerships aimed at addressing Nigeria’s education challenges, particularly the issues of out-of-school children and the Almajiri education system, through sustainable, community-based initiatives.