[Intl-tobacco] Philippines to go smokefree

[Robert Weissman]

23 Jun 2003 10:01:13 GMT
Manila signs law banning smoking in public places


MANILA, June 23 (Reuters) - The Philippines, where cigarettes are
peddled in
the streets for just cents a stick, signed a tough law on Monday prohibiting
smoking in public places and banning all tobacco advertising within five years.

The new law will make it difficult for tobacco companies to promote their
products.

Advertising that is now widespread on television, radio and billboards
will be
phased out starting on January 1, 2007.

A complete ban on ads -- as well as sponsorship by tobacco companies of sports,
cultural or educational events -- will take effect on July 1, 2008.

Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit has said studies showed smoking cost the
cash-strapped Philippines about 42 billion pesos ($788 million) last
year in
medical expenses for tobacco-related diseases and loss of productivity.

Tobacco firms facing bans, lawsuits and high taxes in developed markets have
been keen to expand in Asia, Latin America and Africa.

In the Philippines, U.S.-based Philip Morris -- best known for its smoking
cowboy, the Marlboro Man -- has just opened a $300 million production
plant in
Batangas province, south of Manila.

Chris Nelson, managing director of Philip Morris Philippines
Manufacturing Inc,
said in a statement released by the government that the firm vowed to
support the
measures under the new law.

"Regulation offers a long-term solution to tobacco issues that can
benefit the
public health objectives and our business goals," Nelson said.

The World Health Organisation, which estimates smoking kills 4.9 million people
around the globe each year, has adopted an anti-smoking treaty which
includes an
eventual ban on tobacco advertising.