New data shows progress and a challenge: smoking prevalence in the Philippines fell from 27.3% (2009) to 18.3% (2021), yet the country remains the 3rd-largest cigarette market in ASEAN. To protect these gains, we need stronger data systems and better coordination between agencies to monitor legal sales and curb illicit trade.

Reference: Tan, DP, Gaduena, A, Kimwell, MJ., Reyes, KAV (2026). Estimating the Magnitude of Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Trade in the Philippines (manuscript in preparation).

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