SENATOR Pia Cayetano welcomed the ruling of Supreme Court upholding the power of the Food and Drug Administration to regulate cigarettes and tobacco products.

Cayetano stressed that the ruling is a major victory for future generations and for the public health advocates.

The lady senator said the health hazards of tobacco cannot be denied, and are backed by strong medical evidence.

“It is common sense that these products be subjected to strict regulation by a competent health authority,” Cayetano said.

It was Cayetano who sponsored and defended the FDA Act of 2009 or RA 9711 with mandates the FDA to regulate all products affecting health, including cigarettes and tobacco.

However, the tobacco industry rejected FDA’s authority, and went to court to prevent the FDA from regulating them.

“This win is for the Filipino people and will benefit future generations. It may have taken 13 years, but it’s these victories that remind me to keep fighting the good fight. It’s what makes my job worthwhile,” the senator further stressed.

“It is my hope that the incoming administration will continue to strengthen our health systems, and ensure that all harmful and potentially harmful products that should fall under the ambit of FDA’s authority are duly regulated to safeguard public health,” she added.

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