Marysol Astrea Balane
Media Officer
Health Justice Philippines
Tel: 09178509212
Email: marysol.balane@gmail.com
MANILA, October
11, 2014 – Tobacco companies are attempting to mislead governmentsaround the
worldand influence proceedingson key tobacco control
measures in time for the 6th Session of the Conference of the
Parties (COP) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
The
Financial Times recently wrote about leaked documents from the International
Tax and Investment Center (ITIC) inviting representatives from ministries of
finance worldwide to a meeting that will allegedly ensure a balanced approach
to tobacco taxation issues. ITIC is funded by major multinational tobacco
corporations.
“This
planned meeting is a brazen move by the tobacco industry to mislead governments
worldwide and promote tobacco industry positions on taxation, knowing that it
is the single most effective measure to lower tobacco consumption” according to
Irene Reyes, Managing Director of HealthJustice Philippines. “In addition, if
there are government representatives that will attend this meeting organized by
ITIC, it shows the need for stricter measures to implement Article 5.3 of the
FCTC, which aims to protect against interference of the tobacco industry in
tobacco control.”
Japan
Tobacco International, in a separatestatement, also questioned the decision by
the COP to exclude the tobacco industry from the conference, stating that the
industry can bring expertise to the table that can contribute to the
development of policies.
“It
is clear that the industry wants to be a part of the conference to sway States
Parties toadopt decisions that are favorable to them. Whether it’s through
setting up a side meeting to influence government representatives or
questioning COP decisions andrules outright, they are doing their best to get
in, and health advocates must do theirbest to keep them out and thereby
safeguard public health policies,” said Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo, Chair of the
Board of Directors of the Framework Convention Alliance.
The
WHO meanwhile has sent a warning letter about the ITIC meeting, reminding
delegates about their obligations not to let the tobacco industry interfere
with tobacco control laws.
To
view the Financial Times article mentioned in the press release please click
the following links:
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