With the
full implementation of the graphic health warning law on Friday, November 4,
the Department of Health (DOH) urged the Metropolitan Manila Development
Authority (MMDA) and all local government units (LGUs) to help ensure the
strict compliance to the law.
“In terms of
enforcing the law at the street level or community level, it will be the LGUs
and the MMDA that will do that,” Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial stressed in
a press conference in Quezon City.
Ubial
referred to the monitoring of cigarette packs sold in sari-sari stores, as well
as those peddled in the streets by the “takatak” boys, to ensure compliance
with Republic Act 10643.
“We are
closely coordinating with the MMDA and the LGUs on the law’s enforcement,” said
Ubial.
The law
mandates the printing, in full color, of graphic health warnings on 50 percent
of the packaging of all tobacco products, showing the ill effects of smoking.
“We already
gained so much from our serious efforts to control tobacco use in the country.
With the Sin Tax and the GHW laws, we believe that many Filipinos will
hesitate, if not stop smoking altogether,” said Ubial.
Ubial
encouraged the public to be vigilant and to report those who are not complying
with the law by contacting the DOH hotline (02) 711-1001 or (02) 711-1002; or
the President’s hotline 8888; or to their local government units.
The post MMDA, LGUs Urged to Help in Graphic Health Warning Compliance appeared first on Manila Bulletin.
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