Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2010-0013)
The main purpose of DOH Administrative Order No. 2010-0013 is to require graphic health information on tobacco product packages and to adopt measures ensuring that tobacco product packaging and labeling do not promote tobacco by false, misleading, deceptive means or create erroneous impressions, thereby protecting public health and promoting health consciousness.
The Order upholds the right to health as enshrined in Article II, Section 15 of the Philippine Constitution, which mandates the State to protect and promote the right to health and instill health consciousness among the people.
The Department of Health (DOH) is the competent national authority mandated to ensure the propagation of health information and to regulate the packaging and labeling of tobacco products under this Order.
Graphic Health Information means statements and/or other information accompanied by related full-color pictures or pictograms informing about the contents and substances of tobacco products, as well as the health dangers and other problems related to tobacco use and exposure.
Graphic health information shall occupy at least 30% of the front panel and 60% of the back panel of each tobacco product packet or package, placed on the upper portions for maximum visibility.
The Order prohibits the use of any false, misleading, deceptive, or erroneous descriptors such as "low tar," "light," "mild," or corresponding symbols and colors that imply that one tobacco product is less harmful than another.
Tobacco product packages that do not comply with this Order shall be prohibited from sale 90 days after the Order's effectivity, and non-compliant products must be withdrawn by that time with no extensions granted.
All costs related to the packaging and labeling of tobacco products shall be borne by the respective tobacco manufacturers, importers, and/or exporters responsible for the packaging and labeling.
Monitoring Teams at various levels are tasked with monitoring compliance, verifying violation reports, and submitting timely reports on implementation and violations to ensure effective enforcement of the Order.
Upon investigation and due process, administrative sanctions and penalties including seizure, recall, and condemnation of tobacco products may be imposed on violators such as manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, or other concerned parties.