MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) said there will be no more delay in the full implementation of graphic health warning on cigarette packs being sold in the country on Friday.

In an interview with radio DZMM, Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said they expect tobacco manufacturers to abide by the law and include the graphic health warning on every cigarette pack that they sell. "Bukas na po talaga. Wala nang palugit," told radio DZMM.

• Read: Law on graphic health warnings takes full effect Nov

Tayag said the DOH and local government units will monitor cigarettes sold in the market to make sure that the law is being followed.

"Dumaan sa proseso yung pagapruba ng graphic health warnings. Pinili talaga, pare-pareho po sila, 12 po ang pagpipilian nila. Mamimili sila ng isa-cycle nila at imo-monitor namin na lahat yun ay naimprenta po nila," he said.

The Graphic Health Warnings Law requires tobacco companies to provide half of the space on cigarette packets to warnings including photographs of the harmful effects of smoking.

Manufacturers, exporters and distributors who will violate the law will face penalties ranging from P500,000 to P2 million in fines or five-year imprisonment and revocation of business permit. Retailers and sellers meanwhile will be slapped with a fine ranging from P10,000 to P100,000.