Malacañang supports ‘World No Tobacco Day,’ but mum on PNoy’s smoking

The government has joined the world in marking the “World No Tobacco Day” today but was silent on President Aquino’s smoking habit.

Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. instead affirmed the country’s support to global efforts to stop the illegal trade of tobacco.

“Nakikiisa ang buong pamahalaan sa buong mundo at sa World Health Organization sa paggunita ngayong araw ng ‘World No Tobacco Day’ sa ilalim ng temang ‘Stop Illicit Trade of Tobacco Products’ (The government joins the world and the World Health Organization in commemorating ‘World No Tobacco Day’ with the theme ‘Stop Illicit Trade of Tobacco Products’),” Coloma said in an interview with stateowned DZRB.

“Sa pagdiriwang ngayong taon, nananawagan ang WHO sa lahat ng mga bansa sa buong mundo na magkaisa upang wakasan ang iligal na kalakalan ng tobacco products na siyang itinuturong sanhi ng pagkamatay ng mahigit sa anim na milyong katao bawat taon sa buong mundo, kabilang na ang 600,000 non-smokers na apektado ng paglanghap ng secondhand smoke (This year, WHO appeals to all countries to unite in ending the illegal trade of tobacco products that caused the death of six million persons around the world, including 600,000 non-smokers affected by second hand smoke),” he added.

Coloma said WHO esti-

mates that more than 8 million people may die by 2030. He assured that the government will continue to push for the health and wellness campaign against the negative effects of tobacco use.

The Palace official, meantime, did not respond to media queries if the President intend to abstain from smoking on “No Tobacco Day.”

The President has refused to quit smoking despite appeals from antitobacco groups, insisting that it helps him deal with the pressure of his work. He had a number of coughing fits in the middle of previous speeches which some groups believe was connected with his smoking habit.