Contents of tobacco products will soon witness a regulation because of a joint effort made by the Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Talking about the decision, Director of the FDA, Dr. Suzette Lazo, informed that the Republic Act 9711 Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) allows the FDA to regularize the contents of tobacco products.

She went on to informed that the FDA has not regulated tobacco previously; however, given the health complications that are caused by tobacco are adverse and the DOH has the responsibility of safeguarding public health. She further informed that the DOH will be carrying out this specific initiative with the help of the FDA.

However, she failed to provide much explanation regarding the new mandate and informed that the two departments were still going through the IRR. Though, she did warn that the FDA had the powers to cancel the license of manufacturers who do not comply with the new orders.

It needs to be kept in mind that smoking results in millions of people developing life threatening diseases all over the world; these are health illnesses that are easily avoidable and can reduce the costs incurred by government on treating heart diseases and lung cancer.