PMI eyes PH smoke-free hub

Philip Morris International (PMI) is exploring potential investments in the Philippines that would make the country a critical component in the tobacco giant's vision for a smoke-free future, leveraging its strong regulatory framework and attractive business environment.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

Christos Kiritsis, vice president of smoke-free products at PMI, stated that the company plans to establish the Philippines as a manufacturing hub for its smoke-free alternatives.

PMI aims to position this potential expansion to strengthen not only its domestic reach in the Philippines but also its presence across Southeast Asia and neighboring regions.

While other countries are on PMI's radar for such an investment, the Philippines remains among the top candidates, thanks in part to its progressive regulatory framework.

The Philippines is recognized as an early adopter in the transition to smoke-free alternatives, with a law already in place that establishes the legal framework for such products.

Republic Act (RA) No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act—also known as the Vape Law—sets out the government's policy on these products, including their importation, manufacture, sale, and use.

Enacted in 2022, the law explicitly recognizes vapor products such as e-vapor, novel tobacco products including oral nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products.

"The Philippines acknowledges, understands, and differentiates all the [smoke-free] categories," Kiritsis told reporters on the sidelines of Technovation: Smoke-free by PMI here.