DTI to strictly enforce ban on tobacco ads

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it will strictly enforce the total ban on tobacco advertising on television, cable TV and radio.

In a statement, Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila said they will strictly enforce Section 22 of Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.

Based on the law, tobacco advertising in mass media is not allowed starting July 1 this year. The affected firms may only advertise their products in point-of-sale retail establishments.

Favila explained that the manufacture and sale of tobacco products is being regulated by the government to protect the public from the possible hazards of its use.

“We are putting restrictions on tobacco advocacy to emphasize the message that smoking is dangerous to health,” Favila noted.

The DTI head said that they will be conducting regular and routine inspections to check the compliance of every locality on the prohibition of tobacco advertisements nationwide.

For her part, DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Cuison Maglaya, the chairperson of the inter-agency committee on tobacco, said cigarette companies are likewise prevented from sponsoring events like sports, concert, cultural event or art event, as well as individual and team athletes, artists or performers.

She said sponsorship is prohibited if it shall require or involve advertisement or promotion of any cigarette or tobacco company, tobacco product or tobacco use, name, logo or trademarks and other word, symbols, designs, colors or other depictions commonly associated with or likely to identify tobacco products.

Maglaya explained that the health measures are being applied to protect the right of the public to a safe and healthful environment.

She noted that smokers have much higher chances of developing pulmonary and respiratory complications which may lead to the probability of suffering a heart attack or stroke.

At present, RA 9211 also requires packages containing tobacco products to be printed with a health warning on the bottom of the front panel which should occupy at least 30 percent of the panel, including the border or frame.

The health warning should be introduced by “Government Warning” and followed by any of these statements: “Cigarette Smoking is Dangerous to your Health,” “Cigarettes are Addictive,” “Tobacco Smoke Can Harm Your Children” or “Smoking Kills.”

Violations will be meted with corresponding penalty of a fine of P100,000 to P400,000, or imprisonment of up to three years depending on the recurrence of the offense.