Health groups urge WHO to drop PH’s WHA nom over tobacco industry ties

More than 50 public health and tobacco control organizations around the world are calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to revoke the Philippines’ nomination to lead the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), citing serious concerns about the country's recent engagements with the tobacco industry.

In a press statement, the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) said a joint petition was submitted to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and all WHO Member States. The petition argues that the Philippine government’s acceptance of donations from Philip Morris International (PMI) undermines WHO’s principles and raises doubts about the country’s ability to preside over the WHA impartially.

The groups specifically criticized a ceremony held on March 20, 2025, at Malacañang, where officials accepted four mobile clinics donated by PMI and its local affiliate. A similar donation from the same tobacco company had been received just months prior.

“These donations violate both international and domestic policies designed to protect public health governance from tobacco industry interference,” the petition stated.

The complaint cited Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), as well as the Philippine Civil Service Commission–Department of Health Joint Memorandum Circular 2010-01, which prohibits government partnerships or interactions with tobacco companies.

Last month, Malacañang defended Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa after he faced backlash for posing in photos with tobacco company executives, saying the Department of Health did not directly receive a donation. 

Still, the WHO has consistently warned against so-called corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by tobacco companies, which are often used to generate goodwill, gain access to policymakers, and subtly influence regulation. FCTC guidelines stress that tobacco industry interests are “irreconcilable” with public health goals.

The petition also referenced WHA Resolution 54.18, which urges WHO Member States to remain vigilant against industry attempts to subvert tobacco control efforts.

“Electing a health official from a country that has openly violated established ethical standards sends the wrong message at a time when trust and credibility are vital to global health leadership,” the petition stated.

Public health advocates maintain that the WHA presidency requires an unwavering commitment to health and a firm stance against industries that profit from harmful products.

“We urge the WHO and its Member States to rescind the nomination of the Philippines. WHA leadership must reflect the highest standards of integrity and align with WHO’s mission to protect health and save lives,” the petition added.

Last year, the Philippines was nominated to preside over the 78th World Health Assembly, scheduled to take place in Geneva this May.

Last week, the DOH said it continuously refuses and rejects all proposed donations by the tobacco industry, whether to its officials or the agency or its units. 

“We thank allies who continually remind us of the perils of tobacco and vape, and who are aware of the legal mandate and scope of the Department. We are saddened that some may have fallen victim to industry tactics of divide and conquer,” the health department said in a press statement. 

It emphasized that tobacco use is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. 

Vapes and vapor products pose significant health risks, including e-cigarette or vapor product-associated lung injury (EVALI), nicotine addiction, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, among others. 

DOH also cited that last year, a 22-year-old Filipino male died of a heart attack following a severe lung injury, which was linked to his daily vape usage for two years. — BM, GMA Integrated News