SEVERAL medical societies are forming a task force to monitor and report violations by tobacco retailers and manufacturers of Republic Act 9211, or the ad ban on cigarettes.

Maricar Limpin, head of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance, Philippines (FCAP) said medical groups led by the Philippine Medical Association and the Philippine Nurses Association are set to meet on Wednesday to discuss the creation of a task force that will monitor compliance to the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.

Starting this month, outdoor advertising of tobacco products is prohibited in all premises within the point of sale. Sanctions range from a fine of P5,000 on retailers to as high as P100,000 against distributors and manufacturers.

“We’re coming up with a declaration of plea to retail owners to remove all billboards and signages [promoting cigarettes],” Limpin told the BusinessMirror in an interview on Monday.

She warned that small retailers such as sari-sari store owners would be most affected by the outdoor ad ban and added that manufacturers should also take the responsibility of removing these because they supplied most of these promotional materials.

Last week the Department of Health ordered all local governments to implement RA 9211 by dismantling billboards promoting tobacco products.

Limpin said the task force will also report on violations by tobacco producers and lay the groundwork for possible criminal complaints against them.

“Having a law like this gives us the legal basis to do that,” she added.

Last year, some physicians filed criminal charges against Philip Morris for alleged violations of RA 9211 with regards to health warning labels on packages before the Makati City’s prosecutor’s office.  

The court junked the case recently.

“We’re willing to go all the way,” said Limpin noting that the physicians will appeal the case up to the Supreme Court.

SEVERAL medical societies are forming a task force to monitor and report violations by tobacco retailers and manufacturers of Republic Act 9211, or the ad ban on cigarettes.

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