Tobacco Companies Told to Remove Outdoor Ads

Source from:  By Cher Jimenez, Correspondent July 26, 2007 08/03/2007

Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) has directed local government units to dismantle all outdoor advertisements of tobacco companies. The department said tobacco manufacturers have been defying the law that has banned tobacco advertisement, which took effect early July. "We must have a political will to ban tobacco advertisements in our country," said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. "We have to be a part of a worldwide war against cigarettes. We have to join other nations that are trying to create a tobacco-free world," said Duque. The new law prohibits the posting of leaflets, posters, and similar outdoor advertising materials that promote cigarette products. However, the law allows the posting of materials promoting tobacco in retail establishments. Tobacco manufacturers contested the law's definition of "premises" in a lawsuit filed at a lower court in suburban Marikina. "The tobacco industry has a strong influence in Congress," said Dugue when asked to describe how the country's law against tobacco advertisement was passed. "We must stand strong against all pressures from the tobacco industry because they are meant to undermine our new law on tobacco control." Duque said. Five out of the top ten leading causes of deaths in the Philippines are linked to cigarette smoking, according to the records. Enditem