• March 28, 2024

Philippines city looks at tobacco ad bans

An Iloilo city councilor has set in motion a discussion aimed at introducing an ordinance prohibiting tobacco advertising, promotions and sponsorships in the city, according to a Sun Star story.

Joshua Alim is chairman of what was described in the story as the city council’s Committee on Rules and Style, but which is described elsewhere as the Committee on Police Matters.

A public hearing was hosted yesterday at the city council by his committee and the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force to hear the opinions of stakeholders.

After the hearing, Alim said the suggestions made would be used in drawing up regulations.

There seems little doubt which way this issue is moving. Alim said it was well documented that tobacco advertising, promotions and sponsorships increased tobacco use, but that comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotions and sponsorships decreased tobacco use.

Thus, an effective ban on tobacco advertising, promotions and sponsorships should be comprehensive and applicable to all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, he added.