PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte wants health warning labels placed on sweetened beverages to raise public awareness on the health risks associated with overconsumption of such products.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the President issued a directive that sugary drinks should be labeled with graphic health warnings that are similar to the cigarette pack warnings about the harmful effects of smoking.

“The sweetened beverage, especially the powdered juice drink, is mainly sugar. But that’s not a secret. If you look at the back, it’s written there. The number one item listed in the ingredients means [it contributes a] big part of that product,” Lopez said in a press conference.

“So that drink is really mainly sugar and a few flavorings. So the President worried,” he added.

Lopez said Duterte wanted to include fair warnings of “containing high sugar” on sugary beverages, such as powder fruit drinks Tang and Eight O-clock, in a bid to educate consumers, especially those who have health problems.

The Trade chief said he would meet with the stakeholders to discuss the President’s plan.

“He (Duterte) said there should be truth in advertising... The President has a directive that there should be a warning on sweetened beverages. If it has high sugar, indicate in front [of the product that it is] containing high sugar, that it can be dangerous to your health,” Lopez said.

“So he issued the necessary order in that regard. But I will talk to the stakeholders as we implement that directive of the President.”

Sweetened beverages have been slapped with higher excise tax following the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Act.

Under the Train Law, an excise rate of P6 per liter was taxed on drinks containing caloric or non-caloric sweetener, while an addition P12 per liter was imposed on drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup. (SunStar Philippines)