Civil society and health groups criticize appointment of Dave Gomez as PCO secretary

Civil society and health organizations in the Philippines have criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to appoint Dave Gomez as the new secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO). The groups are urging the Commission on Appointments (CA) to reject Gomez’s appointment due to his long-time association with the tobacco industry.

According to a joint statement issued by the groups, this appointment raises concerns about conflict of interest, transparency, and public health. Signatories include Medical Action Group, Child Rights Network, Psoriasis Philippines, Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA), and other health advocacy organizations.

The organizations argue that appointing someone with ties to the tobacco industry to a government position undermines public service principles and could compromise tobacco control efforts and public health gains. They highlight the harmful impact of the tobacco industry on addiction, disease, and premature deaths in the country.

Gomez’s appointment is seen as a violation of the World Health Organization–Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC), a treaty aimed at protecting public policies from tobacco industry influence. The groups call on the CA to carefully consider the implications of approving Gomez’s appointment, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent.

Prior to his role in the PCO, Gomez worked as the communications director for a local tobacco company affiliated with Philip Morris International. The organizations plan to monitor Gomez’s appointment to ensure that his past industry connections do not compromise public welfare.

According to the source: Inquirer.net.