Statement from Matt Wilson at the Philip Morris International Shareholders' Meeting

Good morning. My name is Matt Wilson and I’m a Deputy Director with Corporate Accountability International.

 

Last year, PMI split from U.S.-based tobacco giant Altria (Philip Morris USA), in part to protect itself from U.S. regulation and litigation.

 

Legislation to give the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate tobacco is moving through the U.S. Congress. The Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act, HR 1256, passed the House of Representatives in April.

 

PMI’s former parent Altria says it backs FDA regulation of tobacco. PMI lobbyists have also been active on HR 1256. Support of the legislation by Big Tobacco should be seen as a red flag, not a positive sign. During the Clinton Administration, the tobacco industry fought to have FDA regulation of tobacco overturned by the courts. There is no indication that PMI or any of the other tobacco giants will accept FDA limits on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship – a centerpiece of the bill.

 

Mr. Camilleri, if your corporation no longer manufactures or markets cigarettes in the U.S., why does PMI have a lobbying presence in Washington, and why are you lobbying on U.S. legislation?