[Intl-tobacco] Philippines: Restrictions on smoking, tobacco products sought (fwd)

[Robert Weissman]

Restrictions on smoking, tobacco products sought
Source: Manila Bulletin, Saturday, 2/10/01

Sen. Loren Legarda Leviste sought yesterday restrictions on the entry of
foreign-made cigarettes in the Philippines by filing a bill making it
unlawful for the sale and promotion of tobacco products that do not have
health warning messages printed prominently in Tagalog on the package.

Senate Bill (SB) 101 likewise seeks to regulate the labelling, sale, and
advertising of cigarettes and other tobacco products as well as prohibit
smoking in public places and enclosed public places.

The measure, according to Legarda, would protect citizens more effectively
against the health hazards posed by tobacco.

As the measure is expected to make a dent in tobacco production, the
Legarda bill seeks to designate the Department of Agriculture as lead
agency in formulating and implementing a program that would assist tobacco
farmers in diversifying into food crops and other products.

The Department of Health (DoH), on the other hand, shall be put in charge
of a stronger public information campaign on the risks of smoking, the
bill said.

"Until we enact a strong anti-tobacco legislation, our country will
continue to be the dumping ground of tobacco manufacturers," Legarda
explained.

The health warnings to be printed in the package shall contain Tagalog
messages relating to its being hazardous to health and is a definite
"no-no" to women during pregnancy as it may cause fetal damage.

The Legarda bill also proposes that these messages be displayed
prominently for the entire duration of TV and movie advertising. For radio
ads, the warning should make up 20 percent of the time devoted to the
commercial.

The bill, likewise, proposed that elementary and high school health and
science subjects include lessons on the risks of smoking.

In colleges and universities, the former lady journalist suggested that
programs be drawn up and implemented to promote greater awareness to
health risks associated with smoking and tobacco use.

The measure also seeks to ban the sale and use of cigarettes within school
premises while penalizing persons who sell or give cigarettes to minors.

For smoking in public places, fine is from P200 to P500 or a jail term of
seven days or both; and a fine of P50,000 to P100,000 or a jail term of
six months to six years or both for other offenses covered by the measure.
(Mario Casayuran)