Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said the occasion should bolster public awareness of the health risks associated with tobacco use.
“The Philippines joins the World Health Organization (WHO) today, 31 May, in observing ‘World No Tobacco Day’ that seeks to promote the reduction of tobacco consumption as a vital health and wellness measure. This observance heightens public awareness on the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocates the adoption of effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption,” he said in a statement.
On the other hand, he noted the WHO commended the Philippines as one of the countries in the world that pushed for reforms in the government’s health agenda by enacting the Sin Tax Law.
The law, Republic Act No. 10351, restructured taxes on alcohol and tobacco products, with the proceeds going to the government’s health program.
Also, Coloma said the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), the tobacco control coalition in the ASEAN region, recognized President Benigno Aquino III and the Departments of Health and Finance for passing and implementing the law.
Quoting a statement by SEATCA, he said the coalition recognized Aquino’s efforts in “inspiring leadership and unwavering political will to push forward a revolutionary sin tax reform law thereby putting public health before profits and ensuring tobacco control measures.” — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News
