Speaking Against Tobacco and Gambling
Over the past quarter, the ISSUP Philippine Chapter has continued to work to ensure that our voice remains influential in shaping public health and evidence-based policies and programs. In particular, we have remained active in our activism against tobacco use, a firm stance against gambling proliferation, and have made contributions toward amending the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of the Philippines.
In the realm of tobacco control, the Chapter has continued to champion evidence-based measures to protect Filipinos—especially youth—from the emerging threats of vaping and other novel products. Dr. Paul Lawrence Filomeno, one of our most dedicated advocates, appeared on the radio-TV program Doctors On-Line to explore the question “Safe ba talaga ang vape?” (Is vaping truly safe?) In his discussion, he drew attention to the predatory marketing strategies that misrepresent vaping as a clean and safe alternative to smoking; in reality, Dr. Filomeno outlined evidence and his own experience with patients as a pediatrician and addiction physician, outlining the harms of vape use and addiction - from the additive chemicals contained in the substance to the damage that vape inhalation induces in those who use it. Vaping has even turned into another avenue for risks of cannabis use and addiction; the cartridges that fuel a vape device can be laced with cannabis, effectively inducing cannabis intoxication. At the end of the program, Dr. Filomeno underscored that vaping is in no way safer than smoking, and that prevention is best, with early cessation the next best thing.
In another event, at the “2GETHER for Health Promotion” meeting of the Alcohol, Substance, and Addictive Behaviors Community of Practice (ASAB CoP) organized by the Health Promotion Program (HPP) of the University of the Philippines - National Institutes of Health (UP NIH), Dr. Filomeno provided a quick update on behalf of the Chapter. He emphasized the importance of inviting multidisciplinary stakeholders such as ISSUP Philippines policy forums as well as individuals in recovery. He argued that these stakeholders are necessary in advocating for inclusive and evidence-based policy change in alcohol control.
In addition, the Chapter has taken a firm stance against the proliferation of all forms of gambling in the Philippines. As online gambling apps gain traction, we have been tapped to consult on proposed legislation aimed at curbing billboard advertisements that normalize and glamorize betting. In full support of Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña’s call to remove these e-gambling billboards along high-traffic roads, we take the stance that such ubiquitous advertising poses a serious public health threat. The normalization of gambling in our public spaces is not merely a matter of aesthetics; it poses a serious public health threat, especially to vulnerable populations who may be driven by desperation and socioeconomic stress to seek quick “wins.”
Further supporting this stance, Mr. Reniel Cristobal represented the Chapter in an exploratory online meeting hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), focusing on online gambling and gadget addiction. He contributed the Chapter's perspectives as the CBCP develops a proposal on how the church can help and address these problems and issues at the community and parish level.
Finally, ISSUP has made significant headway in advocating for the amendment of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. On 28 July 2025, Dr. Mariano Hembra joined the Focus-Group Discussion on the Proposed Public-Health and Rights-Based Drug-Policy Act. Participants explored revisions that outlined harm-reduction measures as an explicit standalone article, as well as integrating processes reminiscent of alternatives to incarceration. Dr. Hembra additionally provided the Chapter's expertise on the role that treatment has in this new framework.
Through our sustained media engagements, legislative consultations, and multisectoral workshops, the ISSUP Philippine Chapter reaffirms its commitment to advancing public health, evidence-driven, and rights-centered approaches to tobacco use, gambling, and drug policy reform. We remain dedicated to collaborating with government agencies, academic institutions, civil-society partners, and communities in recovery, confident that these partnerships will lead to stronger policies and healthier outcomes for all Filipinos.