Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No. 5204

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to require the mandatory posting of Graphic Health Warnings in
designated smoking areas. It is a proposed measure that secks to intensify the government’s
campaign against smoking due to its hazardous effects on the health of people.

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” Psychologists and communication experts have
always agreed on this adage. They are one in saying that pictures always have a greater effect
on people in as far as conveying a message is concerned.

‘This is the underlying principle behind this proposed measure.

Aside from wamings on the dangers of smoking already present in cigarette packs,
Graphic Health Warnings in designated smoking areas are envisioned to help in convincing
smokers from quitting the habit. This is an additional measure that should help government

curb a problem affecting millions of our fellow countrymen.

Due to the foregoing, the urgent passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ROZAYNO- be oe B. aks

Representative
Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

AA
House Bill No.7 *

Introduced by HON, ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE MANDATORY POSTING OF GRAPHIC HEALTH WARNINGS,
IN DESIGNATED SMOKING AREAS, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE SECTION
6 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9211 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “TOBACCO
REGULATION ACT OF 2003”

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Graphic Health Warnings
in Smoking Areas Act”.

Sec. 2. Section 6 of Republic Act No. 9211 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“Sec. 6. Designated Smoking And Non-Smoking Areas, ~ XXX

All designated smoking areas shall have at least one (1) legible and visible
sign posted, namely "SMOKING AREA" AND ONE (1) GRAPHIC HEALTH
WARNING for the information and guidance of all concerned. In addition, the
sign posted shall include a warning about the health effects of direct or secondhand
exposure to tobacco smoke. Non-smoking areas shall likewise have at least one (1)
legible and visible sign, namely: "NO SMOKING AREA" or "NO SMOKING".”

See. 3. Graphic Health Warning Templates. ~ Within six (6) months upon the
effectivity of this Act, the Department of Health shall issue the templates for the Graphic Health
Warnings which shall be printed in a poster at least twenty (20) inches in width and thirty (30)
inches in length (20” x 30”) and be mandatorily posted in designated smoking areas. These
shall have two components: a photographic picture warning and an accompanying textual
warning as to the harmful effects of smoking to the health of a person printed in Filipino and
English



#8 S20)

See. 4, Separability Clause, — Should any provision of this Act be subsequently declared
unconstitutional, the other provisions not so declared shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 5. Hffectivity, — This Act shall take effect after 15 days from its publication in at least
‘wo (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,