The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) [for breast milk marketing in the Philippines] were signed off...in May 2006...However, the Regulations were soon challenged in court by the Pharmaceutical and Health Care Association of the Philippines (PHAP) representing three main US formula companies (Abbott Ross [part of Abbott Laboratories], Mead Johnson [part of Bristol-Myers Squibb] and Wyeth), Gerber (now owned by Swiss Novartis, but possibly transferring to Nestlé - see notes) and other international pharmaceutical giants...In October...the President of the US Chamber of Commerce...warned President Arroyo of “the risk to the reputation of the Philippines as a stable and viable destination for investment” if she did not “re-examine this regulatory decision”...Despite being one of the companies opposing the regulations [Abbott is]...claiming publicly: "We also are dedicated to the highest standards of manufacturing and marketing - and to complying with all applicable laws and regulations in the countries where we do business. This includes following the World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes as it is legislated and implemented locally."...An article published in the Philippines Sunday Times...states: "...16,000 Filipino children die before their fifth birthday from inappropriate feeding practices..."