Call to fast-track graphic warnings

A health advocacy group in the Philippines is thinking of asking the government to shorten the period that tobacco companies have been granted before they have to include graphic health warnings on cigarette packs, according to a story on GMA News, Quezon City.

In a statement yesterday, the New Vois Association said the 20-month grace period for tobacco companies was too long given the periods that had been granted for adjustment in other countries that had introduced similar policies.

The law, signed in July, gave tobacco companies 12 months to comply with the graphic warning requirements, but, at the request of those companies, the period was extended by eight months so as to allow the clearance of stocks not bearing the new warnings.

“Legislators should be aware how life-saving this law is for young Filipinos,” said Emer Rojas, president of New Vois, an advocacy group comprising mainly throat cancer victims and those who speak through alternative means after having lost their vocal cords.

“With 10 Filipinos dying from smoking-related diseases every hour, this law should be implemented at the soonest time.”