Maranon orders removal of tobacco outdoor ads

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines  - Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. signed Executive Order No. 11 Tuesday directing all 31 mayors of the province to remove all forms of printed outdoor tobacco advertisements in facilities not classified as "adults only."

Maranon said this order is pursuant to Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulations Act of 2003.

His order stated that Section 17 of the law mandates the ban on any form of outdoor advertising in any print medium for cigarettes; Section 22 states that all forms of outdoor advertising of the same is restricted, while Section 23 confines tobacco promotion on point of sale in "adults only" facilities.

Based on the Implementing Rules and Regulation of RA 9211, local government units are mandated to remove these advertising materials that are within the 100-meter radius from the perimeter of any school, public playground, and other facilities frequented by persons below 18 years old.

Maranon ordered the mayors to deputize personnel to remove the said tobacco advertisements near schools, plazas, government facilities, hospitals, public markets, highways, and other places not categorized as "adults only" facilities.