METRO MANILA, Philippines – Yosi Kadiri’s back. But then again, he was never gone.
As the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Conference of the Parties (COP11) happens this week, public interest law group ImagineLaw, in collaboration with youth-led movement TobaccOFF NOW!, rolls out a series of reels titled “Beware of Yosi Kadiri” on various social media channels, designed to counter tobacco industry narratives while emphasizing that public health should be at the forefront of global tobacco control measures.
Each reel highlights the tobacco industry’s favorite tactics, including spreading disinformation, lobbying for weak regulations, exploiting social media, and pretending to be public health allies. The series uses satirical visuals, skits, and candid youth voices to reveal the real motives behind the deception.
“For too long, the tobacco industry has disguised themselves as a partner in public health,” said Atty. Sophia San Luis, Executive Director of ImagineLaw. “This COP11, we will expose the tactics they use and demand the Philippine delegation to stand firmly for the health, dignity, and future of the Filipino people.”
TobaccOFF NOW! youth advocates appear in the videos to call out the manipulation and profit-driven agenda of the tobacco industry.
“If the industry truly cared about our health, they would not profit from the very products that keep us addicted,” said Jeannie Anne Maguad, executive director of Positive Youth Development Network and a youth representative featured in the video series.
As the Philippines joins COP11, civil society organizations and youth groups are stepping up to ensure that public health, and not industry profit, drives tobacco control policies in the Philippines.
“As young people, we know that ‘Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,’ which is why through these videos, we urge our COP11 delegates to stand firm for policies grounded in science and health, and ultimately protect the future of all Filipinos, especially the youth,” said Vonn Vincent Tanchuan, campaign lead of TobaccOFF NOW!
“Beware of Yosi Kadiri” videos will be distributed each day during COP11 across major social media platforms of ImagineLaw, TobaccOFF NOW!, and other partner organizations, including Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
