Duque exposes lobby against tobacco ad ban
Jul 26, 2007, 15:16
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HEALTH Secretary Francisco Duque III yesterday considered as an “uphill battle” his agency’s campaign for the tobacco ad ban because of strong lobby from cigarette makers and vested interests. “But we have to do what we need to do as leaders of the health sector. We have to promote public health,” Duque said. He said there were congressmen lobbying against the prohibition. “It is expected and understandable that congressmen from tobacco-growing region will be lobbying for their industry.” Duque urged people in tobacco-growing provinces should be prepared for another livelihood “to realize our vision of a smoke-free country.” He also cited the declaratory reliefs being sought by Philip Morris and other tobacco companies on the implementation of Republic Act 9211, otherwise known as the Tobacco Regulation Act, which became effective July 1. Section 22 of RA 9211 also provides that the ban would take effect July 1 this year. It also provides that “no leaflets, posters and similar outdoor advertising materials shall be posted, except inside the premises of point-of-sale retail establishments.” Philip Morris and the tobacco companies questioned the term “premises” mentioned in the said law. “We, at the DoH, together with other advocates in the health sector, must stand strong against all pressures from the industry to undermine the existing laws on tobacco control in the country,” said Duque. As it is, he said, the tobacco epidemic already impacts on at least 5 to 10 leading diseases/causes of death among Filipinos leading to premature deaths, lost productivity and lost income for families and the national economy. The health secretary emphasized that “we cannot be the last nation standing without the political will to take the necessary steps by beginning with a strong regulation against tobacco advertisements while a war against cigarettes is sweeping the entire continents and nations to create a tobacco-free world. Meanwhile, Duque said they are coordinating with local government units for the effective implementation of the dismantling of billboards containing tobacco advertisements.
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