Social Watch Philippines (SWP) asked the public to closely monitor the Philippine delegation attending the 11th Conference of Parties (COP11) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in Switzerland from Nov. 17 to 22, citing concerns over potential tobacco industry interference.
SWP co-convenor Dr. Ma. Victoria Raquiza said the tobacco industry consistently attempts to sway the decisions of the Philippine delegation because the outcomes of the conference impact national policies on tobacco control, taxation and regulations.
Raquiza warned that aligning with tobacco interests could lead to weaker policies, lower industry costs and limit restrictions, ultimately affecting the allocation of public funds for health programs and enforcement.
The group said that echoing industry narratives would not only reflect poorly on the Philippines but also exacerbate the burden on the country’s healthcare system, particularly affecting the poor.
According to Action for Economic Reforms estimates, tobacco use costs the Philippines P749.6 billion annually in healthcare expenses and productivity losses. The figure outweighs the industry’s P453.3 billion in revenue and P134.9 billion in tax contributions.
Families continue to bear heavy out-of-pocket medical expenses, increasing pressure on PhilHealth to cover treatments intended to be fully supported under Universal Health Care (UHC).
“PhilHealth is already struggling to meet the needs of millions of Filipinos. We cannot afford a delegation that fails to stand firmly for public health,” said Raquiza.
SWP warned that COP11 could repeat issues from the 2024 COP10, where the Philippines, which sent 34 delegates—the largest group among all participating countries—received the “Dirty Ashtray Award” for allegedly siding with tobacco industry interests.
The watchdog called for public vigilance to ensure the Philippines supports stronger regulations on tobacco and vape products and resists efforts to weaken global health protections. They also demanded delegates be accountable and ensure their position is free from any tobacco industry influence, in accordance with FCTC Article 5.3 and a joint memorandum circular from the Civil Service Commission and Department of Health. The circular stipulates that the government must not engage with the tobacco industry except for regulatory purposes.
“The health of the public and the nation’s funds are at stake,” Raquiza said. Decisions at COP11 will directly affect PhilHealth UHC and the financial burden carried by ordinary Filipinos, as the conference sets recommendations that guide local policies on prevention cessation programs and treatment of tobacco-related illnesses, all funded by UHC and PhilHealth.
Tobacco remains a leading cause of preventable deaths globally, killing about 100,000 people in the Philippines each year, which is more than 10 people every hour.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said it has long collaborated with the Philippine government to advance evidence-based public health policies, guided by the WHO FCTC, an international treaty joined by 183 parties.
The WHO FCTC Secretariat, funded entirely by governments, issued a statement on October 22 alerting governments to intensified industry attempts to interfere with COP negotiations.
