Philippines - lawmaker proposes bill to use graphic warnings on cigarette packs..

November 27, 2010 - Rep. Teodorico T. Haresco Jr., of Ang Kasangga Partylist lawmaker has called for depicting picture-based warnings on cigarette packets so as to induce people to quit the habit of smoking.
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Haresco has proposed House Bill 3693, in which, he has pressed upon to use pictures, which depict the harsh consequences of smoking on cigarette packages. This lawmaker
stated that smokers by smoking did not harm themselves, but others as well, who inhale second-hand smoke. "Smoking causes mouth, throat and respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, the most prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths among males", said Haresco.

Background: Five tobacco companies challenged the order in five different Philippine courts. Two judges issued injunction orders temporarily preventing its implementation, while a third, Judge Brigido Luna of the Parañaque Regional Trial Court, issued a final decision last September 8 in favor of the owners of La Suerte Cigar and Cigarette Factory by declaring Cabral’s (former Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral of the Department of Health (DOH)) order "null and void." The Department of Health has elevated the issue to the Supreme Court. The Department of Health has elevated the issue to the Supreme Court. (Philippines - remarks at the Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health ..)

April 7, 2010 - Philippines - DoH pushes for picture warnings on cigarette packs..
May 25, 2010 - Philippines - Department of Health wants health warnings on cigarette packs within 90 days..
June 4, 2010 - Philippines - tobacco firms claim graphic warnings on cigarette packs are illegal..
July 7, 2010 - Philippines - tobacco industry has obtained temporary relief from placing graphic warnings on cigarette packs..
August 23, 2010 - Philippines - tobacco companies don't want warnings on cigarette packs..
August 26, 2010 - Philippines - injunction regarding picture health warnings on cigarette packs nationwide..;
September 8, 2010 - Philippines - anti-smoking group files case to push for graphic warnings on cigarette packs...
October 24, 2010 - Philippines - DOH 1st victory graphic health warnings..

His recommendation is based on a new study by the Philippine Cancer Society. The study has revealed that tobacco use, has not only increased the number of cases related to lung cancer, but has also affected the health of other people in the form of passive smoking. (Philippine Cancer Society: more and more women dying of lung cancer..)

Haresco is of the view, that the approach of conveying harmful effects of smoking through textual or written warnings is not enough to curb the menace. He felt that picture-based warnings had a greater impact on the mind of smokers and non-smokers.
The proposed bill includes, conveying an anti-smoking message both through a picture-based warning and a textual warning on cigarette packs.

Fines will be imposed on manufactures for not adhering to the regulations contained in the bill. For the first offense, there will be a fine of P1 million, P5 million fine for a second violation and a fine of P20 million or imprisonment of not more than one year or both, along with cancelling business permit and license for third breach. [1 USD = 44.0500 PHP]

Reefrences: Haresco Calls for Using Pictorial Warnings on Cigarette Packages, Submitted by Jayden Roberts, TopNews.us, 11/26/2010; Solon (a lawmaker or legislator) pushes for picture-based warnings on cigarette packs, AMITA LEGASPI, GMANews.TV, 11/26/2010.

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