International anti-smoking advocates defend Philippines in WHO conference

International anti-smoking advocates have defended the Philippines against criticisms for its endorsement of state policies aimed at ending smoking in the country. The Philippines recently received a "Dirty Ashtray" award from the Global Alliance on Tobacco Control (GATC) for its support of tobacco harm reduction at a conference convened by the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Advocates argue that attacking the country for promoting life-saving alternatives to lethal cigarettes is authoritarian and moralistic.