MANILA, June 3, 2010 (AFP) - Benigno Aquino, the chain-smoking president-elect of the Philippines, should raise tobacco taxes even if he himself cannot kick the habit, a World Health Organization (WHO) official said Thursday.

After the May 10 election Aquino rejected calls by health groups to quit smoking, saying his habit would help him cope with the severe pressures of his new job.

WHO country representative Soe Nyunt-U said raising taxes on cigarettes in the Philippines would be a positive move.

"We just hope that he would support (us) in increasing taxes for tobacco," Soe said.

"The important thing is not for adult smokers but for the children not to pick up cigarette smoking."

Soe said excise levels on tobacco in the Philippines were very low, with tax per packet ranging from around P2.50 (5.30 US cents) to P27. A packet of premium brand American cigarettes costs P30.

He suggested that Manila simplify tobacco taxes to a uniform five pesos a packet, rising progressively every year.

"(It must be) increasing every year by five pesos so that down the line over six years, we get an excise tax of around P40 per cigarette pack," Soe added.

WHO has also been urging Manila to compel tobacco firms to print graphic anti-smoking warnings on cigarette packets.

Soe said it was up to Aquino to decide on his own habit, but added: "As (health authorities), we would advise him to quit."

The 50-year-old Aquino, said by former colleagues to smoke up to two packets a day, conceded that stopping smoking would be good for his health and that he intended to kick the habit eventually.

But he said quitting now would add "stress" to his life and has pointed out that, as long as he followed smoking regulations and did not bother anyone, he should be free to smoke.

Aquino is scheduled to be officially proclaimed president by Congress next week, after an unofficial tally of votes in the May 10 election showed he has built an unassailable lead over eight other candidates.