Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 24)
The required warning statement is: "WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING IS DANGEROUS TO HEALTH" or its Filipino equivalent "BABALA: ANG PANINIGARILYO AY MAPANGANIB SA KALUSUGAN."
The warning statement must be located on the lower portion of the front and back of the principal display panel of the cigarette pack.
The warning statement shall be in black color, using type-size letters of bold Helvetica, not less than 3 mm, enclosed in an outlined black box on a rectangular white background covering not less than 25% of the area of the front and back principal display panels.
Yes, the term "package" includes the primary cigarette pack, the carton containing the packs (ream), boxes containing the cartons, as well as equivalent containers for cigars.
All cigarette advertisements must contain the warning statement. For television, it must appear and be voiced over at the same prominence as the brand name at the end; for radio, it must be voiced over before the end; for print, billboards, neon signs, and promotional items, it must be prominently featured on the upper half and be at least 25% the size of the brand name.
Cigarettes without the warning statement will not be allowed in the market starting July 1, 2003.
The Bureau of Food and Drugs handles approval of cigarette package labels, and a Multisectoral Screening and Monitoring Committee on Tobacco Advertisements created by the Secretary of Health approves advertisements before dissemination.
After due notice and hearing, administrative penalties under Article 164 of R.A. 7394 may be imposed, and cigarettes without the warning label may be seized and confiscated by authorized officers.
Prohibited acts include producing cigarettes in packages lacking the warning statement or with non-compliant layout, advertising cigarettes without the required warning statement or improper presentation, and distributing or selling such cigarettes.
A cease and desist order from the Director of the Bureau of Food and Drugs will be issued; failure to comply may result in administrative or criminal liability under Articles 95 and 164 of R.A. 7394 after due notice and hearing.