SC ruling upholding FDA authority over tobacco products backed
SENATOR Pia S. Cayetano expressed strong support for the Supreme Court’s recent ruling affirming the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authority to regulate tobacco products in the Philippines.
This decision, which brings closure to a 15-year legal contest that began with the FDA Law in 2009, ensures that tobacco products are subject to the same health regulations as other consumer goods.
“We welcome the Supreme Court’s decision affirming with finality the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulatory authority over the health aspects of tobacco products. This ruling marks the end of a 15-year battle that began when we passed the FDA Law in 2009,” Cayetano stated.
Cayetano, who has long advocated for stringent tobacco regulation, emphasized the importance of FDA oversight to safeguard public health. “For too long, the tobacco industry has attempted to exempt itself from FDA regulation, despite the fact that everyday products like shampoo, toothpaste, and household items are subject to FDA oversight,” she pointed out.
“This final ruling definitively made clear that tobacco products, which have profound health implications, must be regulated by the agency specifically mandated to protect public health.”
The senator noted that this landmark ruling aligns with the Philippines’ commitments to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
“The Supreme Court’s decision aligns with our international commitments… and reinforces our duty to prioritize public health protection over industry interests,” she remarked.
Cayetano stressed that protecting the health of Filipinos, particularly the youth, will continue to be a priority. “Our priority remains the same – to protect and uphold the health of all Filipinos, especially the youth who are being targeted by tobacco companies,” she emphasized. “In this we will remain vigilant that science-backed health guidelines will be the primary basis for regulation of all tobacco products, including newer ones like vapes and e-cigarettes.”
With this decision, Cayetano is hopeful that the FDA will fully exercise its authority, setting a strong regulatory framework for tobacco products and ensuring that health protection remains central to public policy.
