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Seeing through the Smoke
VERA Files carries stories, reports and commentaries on the effects of novel tobacco products. One such initiative had the support of STOP, a global tobacco industry watchdog.
Latest Stories
‘Solid North’ lawmakers press PH delegation to COP11 to reject tobacco control measures
By Booma Cruz
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Nov 21, 2025
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The alliance expressed “firm opposition” to proposals calling for an end to government support to tobacco farmers, imposing quotas on the manufacture and importation of tobacco products, and banning or phasing out of tobacco sales.
PH delegation declares ‘unwavering commitment’ vs nicotine addiction
By Booma Cruz
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Nov 19, 2025
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The Philippines is committed to "continue to pursue comprehensive measures to reduce tobacco use and protect public health" through a combination of regulation, fiscal policy and public health interventions.
‘Tobacco industry-friendly’ officials dominate PH delegation to Geneva conference, defy treaty provisions vs interference
By Booma Cruz
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Nov 19, 2025
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As a signatory to the FCTC since 2005, the Philippines has an obligation to fully implement Article 5.3 of the treaty, which “requires the protection of public health policies from the commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry.” This means ensuring that COP delegations do not include tobacco industry or tobacco industry-affiliated persons, among other things.
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New PH-Chinese studies hub opens; overseas Chinese gather in Manila vs Taiwan independence
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FACT CHECK: Claire Castro DID NOT call Zaldy Co’s ‘tell-all’ video AI-generated
By VERA Files | Nov 17, 2025
When Imee fled with a fake Bolivian passport
By Antonio J. Montalvan II | Jun 3, 2022
FACT CHECK: Senior high school will NOT be removed in school year 2026-2027
By VERA Files | Nov 13, 2025
Good riddance to bad rubbish
By Antonio J. Montalvan II | Nov 19, 2025