COUNCILOR Rachel Zozobrado issued a strong warning against the rising trade of illicit and counterfeit cigarettes and e-cigarettes, saying these illegal products endanger public health, prey on the youth, and jeopardize years of hard-won gains in tobacco control.
Delivering a privilege speech before the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday, Zozobrado emphasized the urgency of taking decisive action to protect Davaoeños and uphold the city’s long-standing legacy of discipline and good governance.
That legacy was built under the leadership of then-Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte, whose pioneering anti-smoking ordinance became a model for the entire country. As president, Duterte also ensured that revenues from tobacco excise taxes would fund universal healthcare — turning sin taxes into lifelines for millions of Filipinos.
“When illegal trade flourishes, when counterfeit products flood our markets, and when public health is sacrificed for profit — it is not only our laws and ordinances that are violated; it is the very spirit of Davao that is betrayed,” she said.
The councilor expressed deep concern over the easy availability and affordability of counterfeit tobacco products, with reports indicating that some illicit cigarettes are sold for as low as P2.50 per stick. These are also often without tax stamps, health warnings, or any regulatory oversight.
Studies show that those aged 19 to 24 — students and young workers — are among the top consumers of counterfeit cigarettes and vapes. Their affordability, Zozobrado warned, risks reversing years of public health gains and weakening the enforcement of Davao City’s anti-tobacco laws.
“These products are cheaper, illegal, and aggressively marketed — especially to minors and young adults, who are drawn by low prices and deceptive packaging,” she said. “They rob our government of revenues meant for hospitals and medicines, but even worse, they rob our youth of the healthy future they deserve.”
In her speech, Zozobrado urged that the matter be referred to the committee on trade and commerce and the committee on health for an inquiry in aid of legislation aimed at determining the extent and impact of illicit and counterfeit cigarette sales, formulating stronger policy and enforcement measures, and reaffirming Davao City’s position as a national leader in smoke-free governance.
“This is not just an economic issue. It is a public health emergency and a moral crisis,” she said. “We must act now — to protect our people, to defend our legacy, and to keep Davao the city the nation looks up to.”
Local law enforcement echoed Zozobrado’s concerns, affirming their ongoing efforts to combat the illicit trade.
“Part of our law enforcement operations is the crackdown on smuggled fake cigarettes,” said Maj. Catherine dela Rey, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office XI.
“Through intelligence monitoring, citizen reports, and checkpoint operations, we are moving to stop the illicit trade,” Dela Rey said.
