More vigilance on cigarette ads urged

By Iris C. Gonzales   MANILA, Philippines – HealthJustice Philippines, a health watchdog, is pushing for more vigilance against the promotion and advertisement of cigarette products by tobacco manufacturers, prohibited under Republic Act 9211.   The law bans promotion and advertisements by cigarette companies.   Patricia Miranda, legal consultant of HealthJustice, noted for instance Mighty Corp., a Bulacan-based cigarette company, violated the law when it announced the introduction of its new cigarette brands last month.   “RA 9211 provides that advertisements are prohibited on the Internet unless the website is restricted, that is, accessible only to persons 18 years of age or older. The link you sent is not “restricted” because anyone, even children, can access the page,” Miranda said.   The company has been on the lookout for cigarette companies that violate the law preventing the promotion of cigarette products.   Miranda said Mighty’s announcement of its new cigarette brands is an advertisement of tobacco products, which are posted on an unrestricted Internet site, which can be accessed to minors.   This violates the law, she said.   She also noted that the Philippines is a State Party to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).   “Included among its treaty obligations under Article 13 of the FCTC is the undertaking of acomprehensive ban of all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (Article 13). RA 9211 provides loopholes which tobacco companies continue to exploit. Tobacco advertising enables tobacco companies to promote its deadly products,” Miranda said.   HealthJustice reiterated that tobacco products are harmful and deadly.   Reference