Role of media vs tobacco illicit trade cited

BAGUIO CITY (November 13, 2024) -- The tobacco industry regulatory body National Tobacco Administration (NTA) cited the vital role of the media in curbing illicit tobacco trade during a forum at Clark, Pampanga over the weekend.

NTA Administrator and CEO Belinda S. Sanchez expressed the agency’s strong support with the Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI) to the initiative of the National Press Club (NPC) in spearheading the “Media in the Time of Fakes” forum participated in 50 media participants from Central Luzon that tackled issues of the proliferation of fake news and counterfeited products. This event “help boost awareness on the concern of fake or illicit cigarettes,” she said.

She also acknowledged the continuing alliance of the media and the NTA in disseminating information about the tobacco industry.

While the proliferation of fake news is the media industry’s great concern, she said that the tobacco agency is also facing a challenge with the rising spread of fake or illicit cigarettes.

“Katulad din niyo, kami po sa industriya ng tabako ay may problema din sa fake o illicit cigarettes,” she said.

She gave premium on the significant role of the media as information multipliers in the campaign against the illicit tobacco trade and rampant cigarette smuggling.

Atty. Rohbert A. Ambros, the manager of the NTA’s Regulations Department, highlighted the high prevalence of illicit tobacco trade in Central Luzon and the rampant proliferation of illegal cigarettes in Mindanao.

Based on the estimates of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the national government had incurred revenue loss of up to P100 billion annually due to illicit tobacco trade.

Earlier, the NTA called on a multi-faceted approach in the campaign against the illicit tobacco trade.

The tobacco regulatory agency cited that strengthened national policies, enhanced regional cooperation, improved enforcement mechanisms, and increased public awareness are needed to combat illicit tobacco trade.

“The illicit tobacco trade is a significant challenge, adversely impacting government revenues, public health, national security, and the livelihoods of Filipino farmers,” the NTA said.

At present, there are 2.2 million Filipinos who are financially dependent on tobacco including more than 430,000 farmers, farm workers, and their family members.

The illegal trade undermines legitimate businesses and leads to substantial revenue losses, affecting resources for public services like universal health care.

The NTA also cited that a coordinated approach will help mitigate the impact of illicit trade, ensuring a more stable and secure environment for the tobacco industry.