Cigarette firm pushes smoke-free Philippines but warns against prohibitionist policies
Philip Morris International on Feb. 11, 2026 calls for stronger regulation of tobacco products, emphasizing the importance of providing adult smokers with scientifically substantiated alternatives to traditional cigarettes rather than prohibiting products. During a media round table discussion, Vassilis Gkatzelis, president of the East and Southeast Asia, Pacific, and Global Travel Retail Region at Philip Morris International, told _The Manila Times_ that a prohibitionist approach has not always been effective in other countries, citing cases in Australia and New Zealand. Instead, the company called on policymakers to adopt evidence-based regulations that balances public health goals with consumer demand for better alternatives.
VIDEO BY ALLEN LIMOS
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