Tobacco control advocates are pinning their high hopes that newly appointed Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa will help strengthen programs in curbing smoking and e-cigarette use to reduce cases of diseases blamed on the use of these products.
HealthJustice Philippines, Parents Against Vape, Action for Economic Reforms, and Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development also believe that Herbosa will support strong tobacco control efforts, including increased funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs and stronger regulation of what they described as a looming e-cigarette epidemic.
“We have great confidence in Secretary Ted Herbosa’s leadership to address pressing issues of DOH [Department of Health], and the health sector, including the tobacco epidemic in the Philippines, to achieve a healthy country,” the anti-smoking advocates said.
Meanwhile, militant youth group Anakbayan questions the appointment of Herbosa, citing his past controversies and his interactions with the group.
“It is highly questionable that someone like Ted Herbosa, who has shown a little to no regard for human rights, engaged in red-tagging and corruption, is appointed as the DOH Secretary by Marcos Jr. The DOH should be an institution dedicated to the well-being and protection of the people, and Herbosa’s appointment undermines this principle,” Anakbayan said.
Kate Almenzo, Anakbayan spokesperson alleged that Herbosa has a history of graft, which amounted to P392 million, that may disqualify him and other officials from holding public office.
Sin tax proponent
On the other hand, anti-smoking advocates remembered Herbosa then as sin tax bill supporter.
They recalled that Herbosa, during his stint as a former undersecretary of the DOH, was very active as a proponent of the sin tax measure on tobacco, believing the tax bill would eventually push the price of tobacco products high, enough to reduce consumption and discourage the youth from smoking. Sin Tax Law or Republic Act 10351 was implemented in 2013.
At a media forum held last May 26, meant to commemorate the World No Tobacco Day, Herbosa underscored the need for “smoke-free future” for a “healthier, happier Philippines.”
Herbosa said tobacco consumption remains to be a pressing public health problem.
“Everyone, let us join hands in fighting this epidemic,” Herbosa said as he then called on the government to strengthen tobacco control measures, protect public health, and raise awareness on the dangers of smoking, among others.