Pia urges Noynoy to "do an Obama," enforce anti-smoking laws

Senator Pia S. Cayetano today joined the growing clamor urging presumptive President-elect Benigno Aquino III to "do an Obama" by pushing for stricter enforcement of anti-smoking laws in the country.

"While it is understandably difficult for a smoker to quit smoking by going cold turkey, Aquino can still make a difference by pushing for anti-smoking laws despite his being a smoker, just like US President barack Obama."

"The next administration should strictly enforce RA 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Law), particularly its no smoking provisions. The success of anti-smoking ordinances in Davao City and Puerto Princesa City prove that it can be done with a committed leadership and enough political will," said Cayetano, a health advocate and author of a bill requiring graphic health warning signs on cigarette labels.

While the bill didn't pass due to the strong tobacco industry lobby, but Cayetano plans to refile said measure in the 15th Congress.

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral has also announced a plan by the Department of Health to issue an administrative order that would mandate the printing of graphic health warning signs on all cigarette packs circulating in the market.