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PHPolitics4 days ago

WHO backs Baguio initiative to raise drinking age to 23

The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed Baguio City's proposal to increase the minimum legal drinking age from 18 to 23, citing potential benefits for youth protection against the harms of early alcohol consumption. The proposal, outlined in Proposed Ordinance No. 0023-20, is currently under discussion by the city council. Dr. Florante Trinidad, representing the WHO Country Office in the Philippines, stated that setting the drinking age to 23 aligns with medical science and noted that the ideal target would be 25, as the brain's prefrontal cortex—responsible for impulse control and决策—

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BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed support for Baguio City’s proposal to raise the minimum legal drinking age from 18 to 23, saying the move could help protect young people from the harmful effects of early alcohol consumption.

The prescribed age is contained in Proposed Ordinance No. 0023-20, which is being discussed by the city council following a privilege speech by Councilor Elmer Datuin, chair of the Committee on Health.

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Datuin said liquor regulation should be treated as a public health issue and should include measures to prevent addiction among young people.

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READ: Baguio contemplates raising drinking age to 21 years

Dr. Florante Trinidad, national professional officer of the WHO Country Office in the Philippines, told the council that the proposed age limit is supported by medical science.

READ: Curb access of underaged, people with mental issues to booze – lawmakers

“You are on the right path when you set the minimum legal age to 23. Actually, if WHO had its way … settling it at the age of 25 years old is the end goal,” Trinidad said, noting that the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which governs impulse control and decision-making, fully matures around age 25.

Councilor Paolo Salvosa said the proposed age of 23 seeks to balance the WHO recommendation with the legal age of majority in the Philippines, which is 18. /cb

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Read the full article at Philippine Daily Inquirer →
Source document: Proposed Ordinance No. 0023-20

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Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenter4 days ago
WHO backs Baguio initiative to raise drinking age to 23

The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed Baguio City's proposal to increase the minimum legal drinking age from 18 to 23, citing potential benefits for youth protection against the harms of early alcohol consumption. The proposal, outlined in Proposed Ordinance No. 0023-20, is currently under discussion by the city council. Dr. Florante Trinidad, representing the WHO Country Office in the Philippines, stated that setting the drinking age to 23 aligns with medical science and noted that the ideal target would be 25, as the brain's prefrontal cortex—responsible for impulse control and决策—

Bias read (Center): The article presents the WHO's endorsement of the proposed policy change without overtly favoring any side. It includes direct quotes from both the WHO representative and local officials, providing balanced perspectives. There is no evident editorializing or biased language.

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