DOH to issue new graphic health warnings against smoking

The Department of Health (DoH) will soon implement a new set of graphic health warnings (GHW) to discourage people from smoking.

Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo reminded the tobacco industry to prepare for the third batch of GHWs to be placed in cigarette packs starting March 2020.

“We are already set to change our picture warnings. So we are reminding tobacco companies regarding their packaging that the latest GHW templates are available and are for implementation,” Domingo disclosed.

Domingo said regular replacement of GHWs is necessary to prevent the public from being desensitized with the images depicting the harmful effects of tobacco use.

“Even if they are scary, if you already see them on a daily basis, after a while, it will lose its effect. Smokers, especially the youth, get desensitized,” Domingo explained.

The third batch of GHW templates feature images of gangrene, breast cancer, emphysema, neck cancer, heart attack, premature birth, low birth weight, nicotine stain, throat cancer and death.

With the new GHW, Domingo said, the public will be continually reminded of the dangers of smoking.

He added that tobacco companies should prepare and secure a copy of the third batch of GHW templates as early as possible. Under Administrative Order No. 2019-0009, the third batch of GHW templates should be used starting March 4, 2020 until March 3, 2022.

Packaging of all tobacco products is required to prominently feature graphic health warnings on the devastating effects of tobacco use as provided under the law.