jilievo online gaming Sen. Villar: Fight illicit tobacco trade, beware of health effects
File photo shows a farmer in Villasis, Pangasinan watering his tobacco plants to protect them from heat. (INQUIRER / WILLIE LOMIBAO)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Cynthia Villar on Tuesday emphasized the need to recognize tobacco’s impact on public health as a critical step in combating illicit trade.
Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, highlighted the link between tobacco use and non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory ailments.
Article continues after this advertisementShe noted that illicit trade worsens these risks by introducing “substandard and untested products” into the market.
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Tulfo airs side on son’s busway use: An honest mistake, apology given NEWSINFO 1998 textbook scam suspect Maslog convicted of graft NEWSINFO LTO to issue show cause order for other driver in viral Marilaque crash“While the tobacco industry contributes significantly to our economy, we must also recognize its impact on public health,” Villar said in a recorded message during Tuesday’s second International Tobacco Summit.
“This highlights that in order to balance the growth of the tobacco industry, we must implement measures to mitigate its negative health consequences,” Villar stressed.
Article continues after this advertisementVillar also pointed out that illicit trade empowers organized crime, threatens national security, and disrupts economic stability.
new slot gamesArticle continues after this advertisement“It creates an uneven playing field, affecting the livelihoods of our hardworking Filipino tobacco farmers,” she said.
Article continues after this advertisement“These challenges underscore the urgent need to strengthen our policies and enforcement mechanisms to protect the industry, our economy, and public health,” Villar added.
The funds would be used in building its portfolio in the local market, particularly solar and battery projects, the company said Tuesday.
Villar highlighted the significant losses in government revenue caused by illicit tobacco trade, which according to her, undermines legitimate businesses and deprives the public of funds meant for essential services.
Article continues after this advertisementVillar therefore urged government agencies and industry stakeholders to “foster stronger regional and international cooperation” to address the problem effectively.
“This is a crucial step in that direction. Together, we can create effective strategies to address these challenges and promote sustainable growth in our local tobacco industry,” Villar said.
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