Health Advocates Laud Release Of IRR Of GHW In Cigarette Packs; Vow To Remain Vigilant

Health advocates commended Monday the Department of Health (DOH) for taking the lead in ensuring that the Graphic Health Warnings (GHW) law will be fully implemented.

The commendation came after the recent publication of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

In a statement, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance, Philippines (FCAP) commended the DOH for remaining committed to enforcing strong tobacco control policies in the country.

“Although the IRR has already been published, we believe that the implementation of the GHW law is not conditioned on whether or not the same is issued. The publication of the IRR only reinforces the law and in effect, gives no room for any other interpretations,” FCAP President Roberto Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario assured that FCAP will continue to be vigilant on the implementation of the GHW law, especially since this is the first of its kind.

“As always, we will keep our eyes open for developments on the GHW law implementation, to make sure that what is provided under the law is strictly followed,” Del Rosario said.

Meanwhile, Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) president Dr. Mariano Lopez said that graphic health warning was the most cost-effective tool for educating smokers and non-smokers on the risks of tobacco use.

“The GHW is an effective way of communicating directly with smokers, by motivating them to quit. These would also leave both smokers and non-smokers no doubt as to the damage tobacco products are doing to their health.

Dr. Lopez added that they hope GHW would send a strong message also for the youth not to engage in smoking.

DOH encourages all agencies concerned in the implementation of the GHW to undertake full preparation for this historic moment.

As required by the law under Section 16, the DOH shall issue the GHW templates while the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) shall ensure that cigarette stamps are not affixed on non-compliant packages and shall certify under oath that the products withdrawn are compliant with this Act.

Moreover, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) shall hear complaints filed by any private citizen, corporation or organization, for any violation of this Act.

The Department of Education(DepEd) for its part, shall use GHW templates to educate children on the ill-effects of tobacco and shall ensure that these are included in relevant subjects under the K-12 curriculum.

There are 12 graphics designed by DOH to warn the public on the ill-effects of smoking on health that tobacco companies should label on their tobacco packaging. (PNA) RMA/LSJ