A coalition of health groups backed a new bill that would put black octagonal warning labels on the front of many packaged foods. The “Healthy Food Marketing and Labelling Act of 2026” (House Bill 8284) was filed on Wednesday, the day of World Obesity Day. The measure would require labels on products that exceed limits for sugar, sodium or saturated fat. It would also ban marketing of those products, especially ads aimed at children.
The bill was sponsored by Pusong Pinoy Partylist Representative Jett Nisay. “As a health advocate worried about rising non‑communicable diseases, I want clearer information for our people,” Nisay said. “I want responsible product marketing. I want every Filipino family to choose safer, healthier food.”
The legislation is championed by the Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA), a civil‑society network led by people living with chronic disease. HPA convenor and former Health Secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan fully supports the bill. “Families need to know when food can harm their health,” he said. “We want them to be wiser, find healthier options, and prevent obesity, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.” He added, “We urge more legislators to champion strong food policies like warning labels. That will drive health‑focused behavior change.”
Diabetes Philippines, an HPA member, also called for rapid passage of the law. Registered Nutritionist‑Dietitian Jennina Duatin, a board trustee of the organization, explained why the label matters. “Filipinos should not struggle with complex nutrition facts,” Duatin said. “Simple front‑of‑pack warnings let shoppers decide in seconds if a product is healthy and worth buying.” She noted that clear labels protect public health as diabetes and other NCDs rise. “Patients need to watch sugar, sodium and fat intake,” Duatin added. “Warning labels give a visual cue to avoid harmful foods.”
The push comes as the 2023 National Nutrition Survey shows 57 % of adults aged 20‑59 are overweight or obese. NCDs now cause about 70 % of all deaths in the Philippines. They cost the economy more than P680 billion each year in lost productivity. Officials say the label policy is a high‑return public investment. It could curb NCDs, ease pressure on the health system and improve population health outcomes.
Philippines Pushes Mandatory Food Warning Labels to Fight Obesity
