Guatemala: Ratifying the FCTC Despite Philip Morris' Slick PR & Lobbying

In response to activist pressure at the Philip Morris/Altria annual shareholders’ meeting in April 2005, CEO Louis Camilleri declared that the corporation is working with Ministries of Health and Ministries of Education in countries around the world. This is not only alarming, but in countries that have ratified, it violates the spirit and letter of Articles 5.3 and 20.4(c) of the FCTC.

The tactics being used by Tabacalera Centroamerica S.A., the Philip Morris/Altria subsidiary in Central America, reflect those of its parent company. In the media, the CEO of Tabacalera Centroamericana in Guatemala publicly declared his support for the FCTC. Months later, the corporation sent Guatemalan legislators a letter, referencing the FCTC but detailing the regulations it would support that fell far short of the regulations the FCTC mandate. Not surprisingly, in its letter to Guatemalan legislators the corporation called for regulations that are significantly weaker than the FCTC. Philip Morris fought against key FCTC protections, such as the ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship and the promotion of a higher tobacco tax.

This is an increasingly common tobacco industry tactic: publicly claiming support for the tobacco treaty then pressing for implementing legislation that is significantly weaker than the treaty itself. With this approach, tobacco corporations try to cultivate positive public recognition for supporting the treaty, while working behind closed doors to undermine its most central provisions.

At the same time in Guatemala, Philip Morris/Altria employed one of the most insidious tobacco industry tricks: a so-called youth anti-smoking campaign. According to historical internal industry documents, Philip Morris discussed expanding this type of program to other countries in Latin America to “strengthen relationships with governments and community.”

As the ratification process progresses in Guatemala and the Senate begins the process of drafting implementation legislation, activists will remain vigilant and ensure the Senate dismisses the tobacco industry’s weak recommendations. The progress of public health advocates in the face of a powerful industry is an inspiring example for activists around the world that it is possible to protect people from one of the deadliest industries.

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