Tobacco Regulation Act a major breakthrough

When President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed the Tobacco Regulation Act three days ago, the Philippines, in effect, has followed what Thailand had done three years ago and that is to enact regulations prohibiting cigarette sales to minors, curtail smoking in public places and curtailing tobacco advertising in media. And to give credit where it is due, we commend Sen. Juan Flavier who has always been at the forefront of the war against smoking. Considering how things work in both houses of Congress, we can imagine the patience and perseverance that Sen. Flavier had in order to push his bill.

Among local officials, we give credit to Makati Mayor Jejomar C. Binay for banning smoking in all public conveyances and buildings in Makati. His ordinance antedates the Tobacco Regulation Act.

Five years ago, the World Health Organization came out with its observation that smoking is the number one global health problem. Yet, despite the fact that millions literally die annually from illnesses caused by the use of tobacco, the world seemed more concerned with SARS. People wore masks to protect themselves from SARS. No one sues them to protect themselves form second- hand smoke. This despite the fact that studies show that sidestream tobacco smoke (smoke directly from the lighted end that does not pass through the cigarette) is more hazardous than mainstream smoke because it burns at a higher temperature and is virtually unfiltered. It contains more ammonia, benzene, nicotine, carbon monoxide and several cancer causing agents. The other danger is secondhand smoke, or smoke exhaled by cigarette smokers. This clearly means that smokers not only endanger their health, they also are a threat to non-smokers. Environmental tobacco smoke is a health threat to one and all. This shows the great wisdom of the Makati ordinance and the Tobacco Regulating Act.

What is sad is the fact that most developed nations smoking is decreasing and is becoming more socially unacceptable but in contrast, smoking in developing countries is on the increase. This is attributed to the fact that tobacco companies have launched an advertising campaign in underdeveloped nations to make up for their loss of market in the developed ones. For this very reason, we are very glad that the government has launched the biggest campaign against smoking in our entire history. Once this campaign attains its goal, the next step would be a program to totally abolish smoking in this country. This should be a tobacco-free world. And the best place to start is in our very own country. We can’t prevent smokers from indulging in their vice. But we can help the coming generation from acquiring the vice. And, in the words of U.S. Surgeon General, Everett Koop, ‘The right of smokers to smoke ends where their behavior affects the health and well-being of others.’