DJ Steve Aoki, the EDM superstar known for his wild stage presence and… surprisingly, his advocacy for brain health. Is about to drop a bad beat in Manila with it’s health advocates seeing red. Aoki’s April 26th gig at Xylo Club, BGC, isn’t just another rave. It’s a massive celebration of his collaboration with Philip Morris International (PMI) and their IQOS vaping product. Cue the outrage!
Lawyers and health groups are throwing down a gauntlet. Filing a complaint against PMI for this blatant sponsorship. They say it’s a direct violation of R.A. 11900, the Vape Regulation Law, which bans such sponsorships. Think about it. A concert, not in a school, but in a swanky BGC club, promoting a product. That’s, let’s be honest, not exactly good for your brainpower or human lifespan. Guess what, the Xylo Club not far from schools and a hospital. This could be your school the British School of Manila, Manila Japanese School and even the St. Luke’s Hospital. Maybe, when someone gets sick they just walk to the hospital, hmm.
The complaint paints a picture of PMI’s sneaky tactics: designing IQOS with kid-friendly cartoon graphics and neon colors to hook young Filipinos. And having Aoki, a social media influencer with a massive following, more like a bad influence. He front the campaign is, well, pretty brazen. These groups argue that Aoki is prioritizing personal gain by promoting a potentially harmful product. Even if he does preach brain health online, looks like greenwashing on health. The hypocrisy is deafening. Accusing PMI in using Aoki to influence his young followers towards an unhealthy lifestyle.
The complaint, filed on April 15th at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Makati, names big hitters like Ms. Aurora Quilala (PLCPD-CRN), Mr. Judy Delos Reyes (Parents Against Vape), Ms. Rizza Duro (Philippine Smoke-Free Movement), Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo (SEATCA), and Atty. Sophia San Luis (ImagineLaw). They’re not messing around.
DTI representative Clarence D. De Guia has confirmed receipt of the complaint. This isn’t just a local issue either; the fight against big tobacco and their marketing ploys is a global one. This is not just a simple concert. This is a battle against a corporate giant that’s trying to normalize vaping, especially amongst young people.
The Taguig City government is also looking into the matter. While IQOS might be touted as a “less harmful” alternative to cigarettes. The doctors and health experts agree: any toxin is harmful, and nicotine is highly addictive. This isn’t another concert. This is potentially life-threatening marketing scheme masked as entertainment. So, while Aoki might be spinning beats, this situation is far from groovy. The health of Filipino youth is at stake, and the beat of this protest is only getting louder. This story must go world wide and not just Metro Manila. The fight for public health is crucial. It seems to have a sick beat.
