Anti-Cigarette Campaign in the Philippines

I read this article from the internet and this is a portion I want to speak my mind out:

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance of the Philippines (FCAP) was quoted as saying that (Congressman) Singson “should be made responsible for the death of 65,040 Filipinos because of tobacco-caused diseases since the bill was filed on Dec. 20.”

House Bill 3364 requires the printing of picture-based health warnings on the pack of cigarettes. The picture would portray various diseases caused by smoking in an attempt to influence smokers to quit the habit and for the uninitiated not to start smoking.

... Singson earned the ire of FCAP and related groups when he led a group of congressmen-members of the House committee on Health in trouncing HB 3364 at the committee’s technical working group hearing recently.

- source (Philippine Star - http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?&aid=2008092095&type=2&)

The idea of placing vivid images on cigarette packs that shows the effect of cigarette smoking is something I would place my vote on. However, I think it is unfair to blame the death of cigarette smokers to the representative of Ilocos Sur (province north of Luzon).

Don't get me wrong. I admire FCAP's effort to bring down the number of fatalities caused by cigarette smoking. But come on, whether you put a morbid image on the pack, it is still the individual who would decide if he will smoke or not - not Rep. Singson.

I had an acquiantance who smoke. One time, he took menthol candy while smoking his cigarette. I asked why take candy while smoking. He said he didn't like the taste of the cigarette! I wanted to ask "why in the world is he smoking that cigarette if it doesn't like its taste!!". But I held myself back.

What's my point? If I were a smoker, and there are scary images in my cigarette pack which bothers me, all I have to do is put them in these fancy tin cans which you can buy from the supermarket - vices section.

In addition, don't you think smokers don't know its ill effect? They do!! They just don't care!

2nd point of argument: why didn't they blame the tobacco farmers for the death of millions of people who used their produce???

Trust me, I don't want to blame them. It's their livelihood. Want to eradicate cigarette smoking? Stop the source - tobacco farming. But then, what will happen to these farmers and their families???? Wow... we are in a deadlock.

To conclude, here is my message to FCAP:

Guys, I am very proud of your efforts. For standing firm in your conviction in helping people - two thumbs WAAAYYY up! If I may suggest, instead of pushing for this scheme, let's try something else. In Davao City, I think there is a local ordinance that prohibits smoking in places where there is a roof (waiting sheds, walk ways etc.)! Genius! Maybe this will work in other provinces! That is a different approach - protect the non-smokers.

As for the tobacco farmers, maybe we should also consider them when presenting proposals to congress like offering alternative jobs or produce.

Hold on... I was thinking about those people working for tobacco companies. If you were successful in cutting down the number of cigarette smokers, any plans for them who could lose their job? I don't have one - at least for now.

What about you? Any thoughts?

P.S.

I don't smoke. It's my choice :)