Press Release
November 19, 2007

Pia: Text health warnings on cigarette packs 'ineffective'

Senator Pia S. Cayetano today said the text-based health warnings on the dangers of smoking currently required on local cigarette packs have proven ineffective in relaying their message and convincing smokers to quit the habit.

She cited an unpublished survey conducted by the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) among adult smokers in Metro Manila which showed nearly eight out of ten smokers (77 percent) saying that the text-based health warnings have not made them think about quitting smoking, compared to only 23 percent who thought otherwise.

Asked about the effectiveness of its message, 41 percent said the text warning did not have enough impact to make them think about quitting, 17 percent said the warnings cannot be adequately seen, while 11 percent found the messages unbelievable.

On the other hand, only 23 percent acknowledged that the health warning informed them of the hazards of smoking.

When shown samples of cigarette packs from other countries bearing graphic health warnings (GHW) on the dangers of smoking, a great majority of the respondents (96%) agreed the latter would likely make them think about quitting.

The survey, conducted on September and October this year, asked 1,307 respondents across Metro Manila.

"Text-based warnings like those saying 'smoking is dangerous to your health' are often too general or too abstract to have an impact on the minds of smokers. But graphic pictures would serve as vivid reminders of the specific dangers of smoking," said the lady senator, who is pushing for amendments to RA 9211 to include graphic health warnings (GHWs).

Cayetano, Chair of the Committee on Health and Demography, said the proposed law is in compliance with treaty obligations due on September 2008 under Article 11 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

She said similar laws have proven effective in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UK and India. Graphic warnings feature specific health risks related to smoking like mouth cancer, lung cancer, impotence and infant deaths. Contact numbers that smokers may call if they need help to quit their addiction are also included.

The lady senator also opened a photo exhibit at the Senate and received a petition signed by 300,000 individuals from different sectors calling for the passage of the "Graphic Health Warnings Law."

Joining her in the ceremonies were Dr. Maricar Limpin, President of the Frame Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP), Ms. Elizabeth Pomer, who leads a group of stroke survivors and groups of nursing and pre-school students from different schools in Metro Manila.

News Latest News Feed