“Six years of the next Administration is enough to institute measures to stop the youth from getting into smoking addiction and keep preventable smoking-related diseases like cancer, cardio-vascular and pulmonary ailments from eating up the national public health budget,” said Dr. Maricar Limpin, Executive Director of non-government organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Aliance Phiippines (FCAP).

The challenge was raised by the health group in view of the results of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in 2009 as conducted by the Department of Health and the World Health Organization. The study revealed that 28.3% of Filipinos aged 15 years old and above are currently tobacco smokers.

Limpin challenged the presidential candidates to spell out concrete measures proven to be effective in controlling tobacco and ensure that these figures will not increase under the new administration.

FCAP has been pushing for policies that will raise tobacco tax, require graphic health in cigarette  packaging, enforce ban of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and ensure indoor areas are 100% smoke-free.