Tobacco giant faces P100,000 fine for alleged violations

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has ordered the local arm of tobacco giant Philip Morris International to stop promoting the Steve Aoki concert it is sponsoring in July.

In a statement on Thursday, the DTI said its Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products issued a preliminary order and preventive measure order on April 23 against Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation Inc. (PMFTC).

“Effective immediately, PMFTC is prohibited from engaging in any form of outward and online marketing or advertising of its IQOS ILUMA x Steve Aoki Limited Edition,” the DTI said.

“We are committed to full compliance with all applicable government regulations in the conduct of our business. We believe that the alleged formal charge stems from a misappreciation of the facts and the law,” PMFTC said in a statement.

“We do not market to minors under any circumstances. Our communications are strictly intended for legal-age consumers. We actively implement robust measures and utilize available technologies to prevent our messaging from reaching unintended audiences. We will address the alleged violation at the administrative proceedings in due time,” PMFTC added.

DTI said that PMFTC — a dominant player in the local tobacco market with brands like Marlboro and Fortune, as well as smoke-free products such as the IQOS device was found to have violated advertising regulations, particularly Section 12(d) of Republic Act No. 11900, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.

The law prohibits ads and the use of celebrities to promote or encourage the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. It also bans the sponsorship of any sport, concert, cultural, or art event.

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In a statement sent to the Inquirer, the DTI said the company was facing a P100,000 fine.