Immediate enforcement of anti-smoking law sought

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s revelation that  she has lung cancer is proof that prevalence of the disease is growing at an alarming rate, anti-smoking advocates said yesterday.

Emer Rojas of New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP) said the case of Santiago shows the need to immediately enforce the law requiring graphic warnings in cigarette products and advertisements.

“While Santiago’s case may not have been caused by smoking, the fact remains that lung cancer is an  alarming problem that needs to be addressed immediately,” he said.

Rojas said data from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that 8.2 million people died due to cancer in 2012.

Of the figure, lung cancer accounted for 1.59 million, he added.

Rojas said lung cancer can be prevented and avoided if people stop smoking, which is addicting.

“It is clear that if we need to address the problem of lung cancer, then we have to discourage Filipinos, particularly the youth from beginning to smoke,” he said.

He called on President Aquino to give priority to the implementation of measures that would reduce smoking prevalence.

Rojas said graphic health warnings will be the best way to require cigarette manufacturers to give the public truthful warnings on the dangers of smoking.

“We are hoping President Aquino will sign it immediately so that the implementation timeline will  commence immediately,” he said.

Last June, Congress finally passed into law the Graphic Health Warning Bill to give a 50-percent coverage for picture warnings in the lower part of cigarette packs.

The law aims to require tobacco companies to place pictures of the harmful effects of smoking in cigarette packs to warn smokers and those planning to start the habit on the possible consequences of cigarette addiction.