November 24, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has comprehensive laws addressing tobacco-related harm, an official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) underscored at the Eleventh Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
During the conference recently held in Geneva, Switzerland, the DOJ outlined the Philippines’ perspective on the legal dimensions of tobacco control under Article 19, which calls for Parties to consider legislative action to address criminal and civil liability related to tobacco control. It also encourages cooperation among parties and provides for assistance in legal proceedings.
“It must be noted that our country has comprehensive laws addressing tobacco-related harm, including the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Act, Tobacco Regulation Act, the Consumer Act, the Graphic Health Warnings Law and the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act,” said Assistant State Prosecutor Lyra Profugo, who delivered the Philippines’ intervention during the discussion on Article 19.
“These laws established regulatory standards that aim to decrease tobacco-related health harms, save lives and reduce health care costs,” Profugo added.
She also emphasized that the Philippines’ legal framework addresses key aspects of tobacco control, including regulations on advertising and packaging, the issuance of local ordinances, minimum age restrictions, limits on public smoking and high excise taxes on tobacco products.
“Our position is grounded in the principle that effective tobacco control must continue to respect national sovereignty and constitutional frameworks, while promoting accountability and public health,” Profugo said.
She highlighted provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines that allow victims of tobacco-related harms to pursue compensation through the courts.