ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 20 (PIA) – Manufacturers and stores in Region 9 are compliant with the implementation of graphic health warnings in all tobacco products based on the reports of the inspection conducted by the government agencies, particularly the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The Inter-Agency efforts of the government strictly emphasized the importance of enforcing graphic health warnings in all tobacco products. DTI-9 together with other government agencies, conducts regular inspection in supermarkets, malls and stores in the region.
DTI checks the compliance of products with graphic health warnings but also the selling of tobacco products to minors and not allowing the vending machines for cigarettes.
The passing of Republic Act 10643 or An Act To Effectively Instill Health Consciousness Through Graphic Health Warnings On Tobacco Products is the most recent milestone in the country in controlling the health effects of tobacco according to Gyver Amazon, Information Officer of DTI Zamboanga City.
Amazon emphasized the purpose of the graphic health warnings, which are to effectively warn the consuming public of the devastating effects of tobacco, to remove deceptive number of descriptors, and further promote the right information to the public.
Penalties for the manufacturers can reach up to 2 million pesos and imprisonment and for the retailers with continuing violation will also be penalized. The penalties collected by the government will be used for the promotional campaigns in instilling health consciousness.
“This is not only the responsibility of the government and the retailers but also by the people, especially the parents, to inculcate to their children and minors regarding the effects of tobacco,” Amazon said. (RVC/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)
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