The Department of Health (DOH) will require all cigarette packs in the country to include graphic health warnings starting Friday, November 4.
Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said Republic Act 10643 or the Graphic Health Warning Law mandates all tobacco products being sold in the country to carry graphic health warnings in the lower portion of cigarette packs covering at least 50 percent of both sides. Cancer survivor Emer Rojas, the president of New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP) said the Philippines is one of two nations in Southeast Asia with the highest smoking population. He encouraged cigarette manufacturers, distributors, retailers and even small store owners to comply with the law.
