REPUBLIC ACT NO.

9211

Tobacco Regulation Act

 MISSION OF RA 9211

Republic Act 9211 or Tobacco Regulation Act of

2003 was signed by Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
last June 23, 2003. This law gives ultimatum to the
nation and everyone who supports and disseminates
the law to provide a balanced nature and
environment and be safe from hazardous materials
and smoke which primarily comes from the Tobacco
industry, which the law is all about.
 MISSION OF RA 9211

The law primarily aims to put a stop to youth

involvement when it comes to cigarette use. This is because
cigarettes may cause addiction and speedy aging among the
teens, making them prone to different diseases and
ailments. It is a fact that smoking causes different abrupt
and devastating diseases like LUNG CANCER, EMPHYSEMA,
BRONCHITIS, TONGUE CANCER, THROAT CANCER and the
like, which accounts for the cause of the most death
casualties in the country. This may also contribute to
abnormal pregnancy for women and may also affect those
who are being affected by second hand smoking.
 SMOKE FREE PLACES

Smoking is prohibited in enumerated indoor public

places and workplaces such as government facilities,
healthcare and educational institutions, and facilities
frequented by minors while, in other public places and
workplaces, including bars and nightclubs, designated
smoking areas are allowed. Smoking is prohibited in public
land transport, aircraft, and public transport terminals.
Public watercraft may have designated smoking areas.
Sub-national jurisdictions may enact smoke free laws that
are more stringent than the national law.
 TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION AND
SPONSORSHIP

Many forms of tobacco advertising and

promotion are prohibited, though tobacco
advertising and promotion at points of sale
and free distribution of tobacco products,
among other promotional activities, are
allowed. There are some restrictions on
tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such
sponsorship.
 TOBACCO PACKAGING AND LABELING

Rotating and combined picture and text

health warnings are required to be placed on
50 percent of each of the principal display
areas of tobacco product packaging.
Misleading terms such as “light” and “low” are
prohibited on tobacco product packaging, but
other misleading packaging (e.g., colors,
numbers, and symbols) are not prohibited.
TOBACCO PACKAGING AND LABELING
 CIGARETTE CONTENTS AND DISCLOSURES

The law does not grant the authority to

regulate the contents of cigarettes. The law
does not require that manufacturers and
importers disclose to government authorities
information on the contents and emissions of
their products.
 SALES RESTRICTIONS

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco

products within 100 meters of schools,
playgrounds, and other facilities frequented by
minors. In addition, the law restricts sales via
vending machines. There are no restrictions on
internet sales or the sale of single cigarettes.
The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to
persons under the age of 18.
 E-CIGARETTES

The law classifies e-cigarettes as combination

drugs and medical devices, and not as tobacco
products. As such, e-cigarettes must pass the FDA's
evaluation before the FDA issues a market
authorization. It appears as though no manufacturer
or distributor has applied for FDA approval, and yet
there are many products available on the market.
The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in specific public
places where smoking is prohibited.