A storm of criticism has erupted over the appointment of Dave Gomez as the new Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), with prominent health advocates, youth organizations, and lawmakers voicing concerns about his long-standing ties to the tobacco industry.
Gomez, who previously served as communications director for Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. Inc. (PMFTC), is now facing mounting opposition from groups who say his new government role is a dangerous conflict of interest.
Among the most vocal critics is Senator Pia Cayetano, a staunch health policy advocate and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health. She raised red flags about the implications of placing someone with deep roots in the tobacco sector at the helm of the government’s communication strategy.
“This is not about personalities,” Cayetano said. “It’s about protecting the public — especially our youth — from the subtle but powerful messaging of industries that profit from addiction.”
According to Cayetano, Gomez’s background undermines the integrity of public health campaigns, especially as the country continues its fight against the growing influence of tobacco and vape products among the youth.
“How can the government credibly campaign against smoking and vaping when the person leading its messaging apparatus has worked for the very industry we’re trying to regulate?” she asked.
Advocates raise red flags
A broad coalition of health and youth groups echoed the senator’s concerns, warning that Gomez’s appointment could compromise public health messaging and derail years of progress in tobacco control. In a joint statement, groups like the Medical Action Group, HealthJustice Philippines, and the Youth for Mental Health Coalition called on the Commission on Appointments to carefully reconsider the decision.
“The government’s communication office is supposed to be a bastion of truth and advocacy. This appointment risks turning it into a mouthpiece for corporate interests,” the statement read.
The groups emphasized the need for public servants to maintain independence from industries whose products harm public welfare. They added that Gomez’s appointment sends a confusing signal to Filipinos — particularly the youth — about the government’s stance on smoking and vaping.
Public trust at risk
Critics argue that the move could create a chilling effect on efforts to strengthen public health laws, especially those aimed at regulating tobacco and vape products. They fear that instead of supporting health-centered reforms, the communications office may now be hesitant to challenge harmful industry practices.
“We’ve fought long and hard to insulate our policies from the influence of powerful lobbies. We cannot allow that progress to be reversed,” Cayetano added.
She vowed to continue pushing for transparency, accountability, and policies that keep corporate interests from interfering in national health campaigns.
As the Commission on Appointments prepares to deliberate on Gomez’s confirmation, the issue has become a litmus test for how the government balances professional background with public trust — and whether it will uphold the integrity of institutions designed to serve the Filipino people.
