You might have heard it already, or read it on the newspaper and tabloid, or maybe read it on the Internet. The 90′s rockband Eraserheads are making a one-night reunion concert for free.

THE BAND AND THE CONCERT

Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro and Raimund Marasigan, who made impact in the early 90′s when they were still known as the Eraserheads made news recently when it was found out that they will have a reunion concert at the CCP Open Grounds (or at The Fort Bonifacio) on the 30th of August. Tickets are made available for free if you are registered at Marlboro’s Red List. By registering, you have an opportunity to win a free ticket to this event.

With this promo mechanics and a way to advertise the cigarette, the Government stepped into this matter stating that Philip Morris, the manufacturer of Marlboro, is violating the law.

THE LAW

Section 26 of the Republic Act No. 9211, also known as Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 states that:

Beginning 1 July 2008, cigarette and tobacco companies are hereby prohibited from sponsoring any sport, concert, cultural art or event, as well as individual and team athletes, artists, or performers where such sponsorship shall required or involve the advertisement or promotion of any cigarette or tobacco company, tobacco product or tobacco use, name, logo or trademarks and other words, symbols, designs, colors or other depictions commonly associated with or likely to identify a tobacco product; Provided further, That no manufacturer may register a tobacco brand name as a company name after the passage of this Act.

THE ARGUMENT

Philip Morris reacts to that law, saying that they did not violate the law since the contract has been signed before the prohibition on sponsorship of events.

The Government, however, has this to say:

“The company already knew when the prohibition would take effect so if they will try to circumvent that by saying ‘we signed the contract before’ that will not be acceptable.”
–DOH Undersecretary Alexander Padilla

WHAT NOW?

I heard a rumor that the concert will be canceled because of this, but when I check for supporting articles on the web, I didn’t see anything that would confirm such rumors.

With a law clearly stating that cigar companies are banned from sponsoring such events, will the reunion concert pushed through? I hope that they’ll find a way to sponsor the concert without any laws violated, or else such events are just wasted.

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August 14th, 2008 by Simon Ong Proud IARFA Student. Passed the ALE Exam on January 2009. Loves architecture, web user interface design, WordPress, photography. On the side he plays sudoku a lot! He's either busy working, playing, or talking to his wifey on the phone.