DOH Sec Herbosa criticized for photo op with tobacco execs
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa faced criticism for posing with executives from Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Co. during a turnover ceremony of mobile health clinics at Malacañang on March 20.
The Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) accused Herbosa of violating a DOH and Civil Service Commission joint circular that restricts unnecessary interactions between government officials and the tobacco industry, including accepting donations.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro defended Herbosa, stating that taking photos with tobacco executives does not necessarily mean violating the law or receiving donations from them.
Castro noted that as long as the DOH does not accept any donation coming from a tobacco company, there is no violation of existing laws and rules.
The Palace official also said that government agencies will continue to adhere to laws in terms of non-promotion of products such as tobacco while accepting donations that bring help to government programs.
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