Group hits tobacco firm over legal suit vs DOH

A health group defended the Department of Health against a tobacco firm questioning an order to put graphic warnings on cigarette packs. Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP) criticized Fortune Tobacco Corp. for questioning the DOH administrative order [AO 2010-13]. “Expectedly, the tobacco industry tries to block the order of the DOH aimed at protecting the Filipino people against smoking-related diseases," said Dr. Maricar Limpin, FCAP executive director, in an article posted on the DOH website. FCAP is a health alliance of medical and health professionals, concerned mothers, environmental advocates, religious and faith-based groups and individuals. Last June 3, Fortune Tobacco Corp. sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) against DOH-AO 13, issued last May 24. The petition is now in the sala of Judge Felix Reyes of Marikina Regional Trial Court Branch 272, which will hold its next hearing on June 21. Fortune Tobacco filed the petition even before the enforcement of the AO could be set. “The tobacco industry’s action confirms the effectiveness of pictures to control cigarette smoking among the youth. What the tobacco industry is not saying in the press release that pictures work too well for the youth who are the primary target of tobacco marketing. Why will the industry go all the way to the court if they do not see the effectiveness of this measure to curb smoking and eventually affect their profit?" said Limpin. She added reaching out to the younger generation was touted by the industry itself as the way to heftier profits. Also objecting the enforcement of the AO, the Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI) had argued that the DOH order requiring the printing of graphic warnings on cigarette packs is contrary to law. Complying with the health department’s administrative order will be a violation of the Tobacco Regulation Act (TRA) of 2003, the group said in a statement. [See: Tobacco firms call for stop to picture health warnings] In the template of pictures that will be printed in cigarette packs, the DOH-AO requires printing of photos depicting the effects on the smokers of toxic compounds and over 60 carcinogens containing cigarettes and tobacco products. Also, it includes information that nicotine, a by-product unique only to tobacco, is the substance that eventually leads the smoker to addiction. “The DOH issued the AO to provide the consumers with accurate information about cigarettes and other tobacco products. The industry deliberately omitted in their press statements that it was not meant to replace the existing health warning printed in cigarette packs," said Limpin. Limpin said the DOH has to ensure accurate product information because cigarettes and other tobacco products are the only consumer products legally sold in the market that are known to cause sure-death, if not debilitating and pain-causing ailments, when used as directed by the manufacturers. — with Nikka Corsino/LBG, GMANews.TV