Press Release
July 7, 2010

Pia disappointed over TRO on graphic health warning on cigarette packs

Senator Pia S. Cayetano today expressed disappointment over the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by a Marikina court on a Department of Health (DOH) administrative order directing cigarette companies to print "graphic health warnings" on cigarette packs showing the diseases caused by smoking.

"I am disappointed by the court's decision to halt the implementation of Administrative Order No.13 issued by DOH," said Cayetano, referring to the TRO issued by Judge Felix Reyes of Marikina Regional Trial Court Branch 272 last July 1.

"It is unfortunate that the decision did not give weight to the fact that the Philippines had been a signatory since 2005 to an international treaty under the World Health Organization, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). As party to this treaty, our government is committed to strengthen national regulations on smoking in order to safeguard the health of our people."

"There's basis for the government to carry out the provision requiring graphic health warnings since this is contained under Article 11 of FCTC."

"I am still hopeful that DOH will appeal the TRO and that the court will recognize that it is government's duty to protect public health in line with its commitment to international treaties, particularly FCTC."

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