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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Youth group launches manifesto vs tobacco industry on World Lung Day

Youth group launches manifesto vs tobacco industry on World Lung Day

Published Sep 28, 2025 07:14 pm
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Young Filipinos marked World Lung Day by unveiling a manifesto in Pasig City demanding stronger government action against the tobacco industry’s “manipulative and deceptive tactics” aimed at the youth.
The TobaccOFF NOW! Movement, a youth-created and youth-led advocacy group, unveiled its Youth Manifesto Against Tobacco Industry Interference in Pasig City on Sept. 25.
The document was co-developed with 79 youth organizations and supported by over 100 community partners.
The manifesto outlined six key demands:
• Raise the age limit for all nicotine-based products to 21 years old.
• Eliminate flavors in electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, nicotine pouches, and other nicotine-based products.
• Ban appealing packaging and sleek device designs that make products look fun and modern.
• Tighten distribution laws, particularly on social media and e-commerce, and penalize retailers who sell to minors.
• Enforce a comprehensive advertising ban, including promotions, influencer tie-ups, and sponsorships.
• Increase taxes on nicotine-based products to deter youth consumption.
Vonn Vincent Tanchuan, the campaign lead of the TobaccOFF NOW! Movement, said the release of the youth manifesto represents the opening of a much bigger battle waged by young people against tobacco industry interference.
“Through it, we want to clearly demand accountability from the tobacco industry and courage from the Philippine government to make us, the young people of this country, your priority,” he said in a statement.
The launch event drew representatives from major tobacco control and public health groups, including ImagineLaw, the Philippine Smoke-free Network, HealthJustice Philippines, Transcend, and the Ateneo School of Government.
Jeannie Anne Maguad, the executive director of Positive Youth Development Network, underscored the campaign’s long-term direction.
“Simula pa lamang po ito ng mas malaking laban para sa TobaccOFF NOW! Movement (This is just the beginning of a bigger fight for the TobaccOFF NOW! Movement). We will continue to engage more young people in this advocacy together with our Community Patrollers, and ensure that the collective voices of the youth wherever they are in the Philippines are heard,” she said.
The movement said it seeks to gather at least 15,000 youth signatures in support of the manifesto by the end of 2025.
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