Among the laws related to health is Republic Act 9211, also known as the Tobacco Regulation Act (TRA) of 2003.
The objective of the TRA of 2003 is to protect the people from the negative effects of cigarette smoking.
Under this law, the state must strictly implement the smoking ban in all public places, including centers of youth activity and educational institutions, areas that are fire hazards, inside public and private hospitals and health centers and public conveyances and public facilities like airport and ship terminals, train and bus stations and food preparation areas.
But even with the TRA, all places remain venues for smoking. Educational institutions, recreational facilities, even public places and facilities are no exception.
Likewise, cigarette vendors are still seen everywhere, even within 100 meters from the perimeter of educational institutions.
Non-smokers, both children and adult, are constantly exposed to second-hand smoke in jeepneys, buses and even parks.
This kind of complacency does not help, as children may also suffer and become victims of smoking.
As stated in the website of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance, Philippines, “our children are the hardest hit of all. We slowly kill our children every time we light a cigarette stick in their presence. Asthma, bronchial infections, respiratory ailments and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or Sids are only some of the effects of second hand tobacco smoke on our children.”
Starting July 1, 2007, an absolute ban on tobacco ads in cinemas and outdoor advertising took effect, and come July 2008, all forms of tobacco advertising will be banned in mass media, except within the premises of point-of-sale establishments.
The public has yet to see if this will be strictly implemented.
The TRA is supposed to offer a long-term solution to tobacco issues that will surely benefit public health objectives, as well as the country’s business goals.
With elections over and with new sets of officials in office, many Filipinos will perhaps contend that change is in the wind.
Newly elected public officials should ensure proper implementation of this law that promotes health, informs consumers about the risks of tobacco use, and protects the youth from being introduced to smoking.
Now, won’t parents be able to sleep better when they know that there are people who are fighting for a safer and healthier Philippines, not just for themselves, but for future generations of Filipinos?
