TOBACCO ADS BANNED

UNEDITED SAMPLE NEWS ARTICLE
By Julia Nina Somera Moncada
IV–Madame Marie Curie


As of today, July 1,2008, All forms of advertising on tobacco products are prohibited outside of stores in accordance with Republic Act 9211, the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.

Section 22 of the said law sates, "Beginning 1 July 2008, all forms of tobacco advertising in mass media shall be prohibited, except tobacco advertisements placed inside the premises of point-of- sale establishments."

In January 2007, a total ban on all tobacco advertising on TV and radio was issued. In July of the same year, all cinema and outdoor advertising (e.g. fliers, posters, etc.) were prohibited.

Tobacco control advocates are requiring total compliance from cigarette manufacturers, storeowners, and local government officials in enforcing the said law. The Department of Health (DOH) and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance of the Philippines (FCAP) have become very strict in enforcing this law.

Earlier, Health issues concerning the rising number of young Filipino smokers between the ages of 13-15 years were raised. According to a recent survey, about 4 million Filipino youths are cigarette smokers. Out of the 4 million young smokers, about half are also exposed to second hand smoke in their homes.