DSWD urged to reject donations from tobacco industry

THE Parents Against Vape (PAV) yesterday slammed the Justice Department of Justice for giving the green light to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to receive donations from individuals and businesses linked to the tobacco industry.

In a statement, PAV President Rebie Relator said it is unacceptable for the DOJ to approve the DSWD accepting donations from the tobacco industry.

“Our primary concern is the impact of this decision on impressionable young minds,” said Relator.

“It sends a misleading message to our children, suggesting that the tobacco industry is a partner in health care and development,” she added.

PAV said this is against the spirit of Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2010-01 of the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Health.

“It (JMC) explicitly prohibits government officials and employees from soliciting or accepting gifts, favors, or donations from entities in the tobacco industry,” said Relator.

She said the act would violate the country’s commitments under the World Health Organization – Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC).

“(The State should) protect public health policies from the interests of the tobacco industry, a principle that should guide all national policies and regulations,” the PAV stressed.

Last week, the DOJ issued a legal opinion saying the DSWD may accept donations from individuals or businesses related to the tobacco industry, and that it will not violate JMC No. 2010-01.

The DOJ pointed out that JMC No. 2010-01 only prohibits the receipt or solicitation of public officials and employees in the course of their official functions, and not the government agency or office itself.

The PAV called on the DSWD to disregard the DOJ’s opinion and instead reject donations from the tobacco industry.