Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No. _785

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B, BIAZON

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to require the mandatory posting of Graphic Health Warnings in
designated smoking areas. It is a proposed measure that seeks (o 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 warnings on the dangers of smoking already present in cigarette packsy
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.

ROZZANO “lls B. BIAZON

‘Representative
Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No.

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 “?OBACCO
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
n 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 warming 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
vilyof this Act, the Department of Health shall issue the templates forthe Graphie Health

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inches in length (20° x 30") and be mandatorily posted in designated smoking area
shall have (vo components: a photographie picture warning and an accompanyi
warning as to the harmful efieets of smoking to the health of a person printed in
English.



Sec. 4. Repealing Clause, ~ All laws, decrees, ordinances, administrative orders, rules
and regulations, or any part thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed
or amended accordingly

Sec. 5. 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,

rom its publication in at

See. 6, Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect after 15 da
least two (2) newspapers of general circulation,

Approved,