THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday called on the public to report the presence of tobacco product advertisements and other marketing ploys, saying such activities are prohibited by law.
In a phone interview, DOH spokesman Albert Domingo said the public must help in policing the presence of tobacco advertisements banned by existing laws.
“DOH stands against the advertisement of tobacco products on billboards and store-front signages in sari-sari stores,” said Domingo.
“Violations of the law should be reported to the Department of Health (via email to tpc@doh.gov.ph),” he added.
This was seconded by the anti-smoking group Health Justice, which said it is imperative to hold accountable tobacco manufacturers violating the law.
“We urge the public to report these violations to the Inter-Agency Committee on Tobacco (IAC-T) to hold to account the tobacco industry for preying on our children,” Health Justice said in a separate statement.
In reporting the violations, Domingo said the public is urged to provide descriptions of the alleged violation; the date and time when the alleged violation occurred/was observed; the place where the alleged violation occurred; the name of the person(s) who committed the alleged violation, if identified; and any other relevant information.
“The provided information will be endorsed to the local DOH office or Center for Health Development for further investigation and action,” said Domingo.
The call was issued amid the growing number of tobacco product signboards and single-stick promos in several sari-sari stores across the country.
