EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the registration statement of Philip Morris Companies Inc. (the "Company") on Form S-14 (File No. 2-96149) and in the Company's registration statements on Form S-3 (File Nos. 33-21033 and 33-49195) and Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-1479, 33- 1480, 33-10218, 33-13210, 33-14561, 33-17870, 33-37115, 33-38781, 33-39162, 33- 40110, 33-48781, 33-59109, 33-63975 and 33-63977), of our report, dated January 29, 1996 (included herein), on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of the Company, which are included in this Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 1, 1996, as indicated in item 7 herein. /s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. New York, New York February 1, 1996