Philippine Tobacco Institute v. City of Balanga et al.
The Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI), whose members include JTI and PMI, challenged a City of Balanga ordinance creating a tobacco-free generation, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products and e-cigarettes to any person born on or after January 1, 2000. The Regional Trial Court ruled in favor of PTI in July 2018, concluding that "any ordinance prohibiting PTI from selling to any person regardless of age is an unreasonable and oppressive interference of business." The court reasoned that the ordinance now covers individuals who have reached the age of majority and is not limited to minors. In addition, the court held that the ordinance violates substantive due process of those exercising parental authority since the ordinance attempted to extend criminal liability to parents.
The City’s appeal to the Court of Appeals was denied, as was a motion for reconsideration.
Tobacco companies or front groups may challenge any legislative or regulatory measure that affects their business interests. Unlike public interest litigation, these cases seek to weaken health measures. These cases frequently involve the industry proceeding against the government. For example, a group of restaurant owners challenging a smoke free law as unconstitutional.
Measures restricting tobacco sales to or by minors, as well as other retail restrictions relating to point-of-sale, candy and toys resembling tobacco products, vending machines, or free distribution.
(See FCTC Art. 16)
A violation of the right to carry on trade, business, or profession of a person’s choice. This right may also be called the right to free enterprise or economic freedom. The industry may argue that a business should be able to conduct its business without government regulation, including whether or not to be smoke free.
Electronic and/or battery-operated devices designed to deliver an inhaled dose of nicotine or other substances. Examples include electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), electronic cigars, electronic cigarillos, electronic hookah, vaporizers, and vape pens. ENDS does not include any device or medication approved by the government as nicotine replacement therapy.
The Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI), whose members include JTI and PMI, challenged a City of Balanga ordinance creating a tobacco-free generation, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products and e-cigarettes to any person born on or after January 1, 2000. The Regional Trial Court ruled in favor of PTI in July 2018, concluding that "any ordinance prohibiting PTI from selling to any person regardless of age is an unreasonable and oppressive interference of business." The court reasoned that the ordinance now covers individuals who have reached the age of majority and is not limited to minors. In addition, the court held that the ordinance violates substantive due process of those exercising parental authority since the ordinance attempted to extend criminal liability to parents.
The City’s appeal to the Court of Appeals was denied, as was a motion for reconsideration.