AN ADVOCACY GROUP has recognized the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for its efforts to protect public health through tobacco control.
The CSC, along with the Department of Health (DOH), received the Award for Excellence in Countering Tobacco Industry Interference in the Philippines from HealthJustice Philippines for their issuance of Joint Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2010-01. The said issuance aims to protect the bureaucracy against tobacco industry interference, or tactics and strategies used by the tobacco industry to interfere with the setting and implementing of tobacco control measures.
Atty. Krunimar Escudero III (leftmost, standing) of the CSC’s Office for Legal Affairs accepted the HealthJustice award on behalf of Commissioner Mary Ann Fernandez Mendoza. With him are the other recipients of the awards for helping combat the tobacco industry's interference in public health measures.
During the award ceremony last March 28, CSC Commissioner Mary Ann Z. Fernandez-Mendoza was also given a Special Recognition for her Outstanding Contribution to Countering Tobacco Industry Interference and for leading the CSC’s efforts towards a smoke-free Philippine bureaucracy.
Commissioner Mendoza’s strong stance on tobacco control has inspired stringent smoke-free policies in various government agencies such as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Supreme Court, and various local government units (LGUs) including the cities of Parañaque, Pasig, and Makati, to go smoke-free using CSC standards.
Her leadership in protecting the bureaucracy against tobacco industry interference, not only have the agencies and LGUs gone smoke-free, they have likewise taken active measures to avoid partnerships with the tobacco industry. The LTFRB, National Youth Council, Commission on Higher Education, and Department of Science and Technology have adopted and echoed the CSC’s policy on industry interference, and LGUs have found a new tool to challenge tobacco industry interference in the development of tobacco control ordinances.
“We are glad that other organizations are taking notice of the CSC’s efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle not only within the public sector, but also among our clientele, the general public,” said Commissioner Mendoza.
CSC Regional Office No. 5 was also cited for demanding the exclusion of tobacco industry representatives during the public hearing of a proposed smoke-free ordinance in Albay.
Aside from Commissioner Mendoza, other individuals awarded for standing firm against tobacco industry interference, include: Cito Beltran, Dr. Maria Soledad Antonio, Atty. Alexander Padilla, former Senator Juan Flavier, former Health Secretary Jaime Galvez-Tan, Dr. Alfredo Bengzon, and Fr. Robert Reyes.
Anti-tobacco policies
CSC-DOH Joint MC No. 2010-01 bans all government officials and employees from interacting with the tobacco industry, unless when strictly necessary for effective regulation, supervision, or control. Prohibited acts include providing preferential treatment such as incentives and exemptions to the tobacco industry, and soliciting or accepting any donation or favor from the tobacco industry in connection with any operation or transaction of the agency.
In 2009, the CSC issued MC No. 17 that ordered an absolute smoking ban in all government premises that provide health, education, and social welfare and development services such as hospitals, health centers, schools, and universities. This means that no “smoking area” shall be found in such places.
By conducting symposia and capacity-building seminars nationwide, the CSC actively encouraged government agencies to implement MC 17. Several national agencies, including the CSC, the DOH, and the Department of Agriculture, have already declared their offices as 100% smoke-free.
In November 2010, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) directed its employees, including traffic, field, and office-based personnel, to refrain from smoking within the premises of the office and field of assignments, and inside any MMDA vehicle. Clients, guests, and visitors are also prohibited to smoke within the premises of the MMDA building.
HealthJustice, a non-governmental organization focused on research and capacity-building for priority public health policies, held the very first awards ceremony to honor exceptional efforts in tobacco control pursuant to the Philippines’ treaty obligations under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. q
R.A.C.E.
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