Showbiz, Media Personalities and Advocates Expose Truth about Tobacco Harms

A rousing campaign initiated by HealthJustice to create awareness on the dangers of smoking and the dirty tricks of the tobacco industry is now in full blast.

Peopled by showbiz and media personalities, journalists and advocates, HealthJustice is a non-profit organization that hopes to expose the truth about tobacco in the newest “Time’s up” aims for effective tobacco control measures

”Time’s up, Tobacco!” ambassadors include TV host Lia Cruz, husband-and-wife broadcasters and TV personalities Julius and Christine Bersola-Babao, actor-director Leo Martinez, TV personality Ramon Bautista, TV host and writer Butch Francisco, broadcast journalist Charie Villa, and New Vois Association of the Philippines President and laryngeal cancer survivor Emer Rojas.

They join other “Time’s up, Tobacco!” ambassadors such as Sen. Pia Cayetano, Prof. Winnie Monsod, Fr. Robert Reyes, Bianca King, Patty Laurel and UAAP stars Arnold Van Opstal, EJ Laure, Nico Elorde and Von Pessumal.

HealthJustice said in 2010, the combined profits of the six leading tobacco companies globally was about USD 35.1 billion, while deaths due to tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke almost reached 6 million worldwide.

It is estimated that one billion people will die due to tobacco use and exposure in the 21st century if the current trends continue.

In the Philippines, 240 people die each day due to tobacco-related diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and stroke.

Most Filipinos who smoke belong to the poorer segment of the population and the economic burden of these diseases further pulls families into an endless cycle of poverty.

This toll on Filipino lives is what urged ambassadors to make a stand and say “Your time’s up, tobacco!”

The campaign also encourages people to show support, share information, and join the fight against Big Tobacco through social media using the hashtags #TimesUpTobacco, #ClearTheSmoke, and #TruthAboutTobacco.

Further information could be accessed by visiting the Time’s up, Tobacco page on Facebook or the HealthJustice Philippines website at www.healthjustice.ph. (PNA) RMA/LOR