MANILA, Philippines — Government officials who serve as conduits for foreign vested interest groups trying to influence local policies should be fired, Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo A. Garbin Jr. said in a statement issued on Sunday.
“While I commend foreign private institutions that support government initiatives, I condemn moves to hijack government policy decisions,” Garbin said.
Garbin issued the statement in reaction to reports that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received grants Bloomberg Philanthropies and The Union — two lobby groups that promote the banning of vapor products and heated tobacco products (HTPs) low- and middle-income countries.
The FDA admitted re…
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