Advertising Code of Ethics

Erine shares:

Finally, we get to post the advertising code of ethics! Here are some of the guidelines that we've cited (at least the more relevant ones) that we use to determine wheter an ad needs to be spanked or not. In any case, I'd suggest you guys go over these.

ARTICLE 1 STATEMENT OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Section 1. Advertising plays an important role in the development of nation’s
economy, its social progress and in raising its living standards.

Section 2. Advertising is an inherent part of total marketing, and reasonable cost
thereof is an inherent part of marketing cost.

Section 3. In the spirit of free enterprise and fair play, advertising must seek to
sell a product or service on its own merits. Advertising must be used positively,
not negatively.

Section 4. Advertising must provide the general public with relevant and truthful information on products and services, thereby helping consumers make their
respective choices.

Section 5. Advertising, by encouraging healthy competition, promotes free
enterprise which in turn, generates better products and/or services for the
consumers.

Section 6. Advertising helps to establish mass markets, which make mass
production possible, thereby promoting economies of scale and contributing to
the generation of employment.

Section 7. Advertising also serves the social purposed of working in partnership
and collaboration with media to support national programs of information,
education and entertainment.

Section 8. Advertising has a social, economic, and cultural responsibility to the
community and the advertiser’s interest should take into account community
interest.

Section 9. Advertising and its practitioners are encouraged to promote the
following additional values:

1. National unity
2. Respect for human dignity and the rights of all
3. Decency and courtesy
4. Respect for religious beliefs, customs and traditions
5. Pride in things Filipino
6. Respects for law and authority
7. Adherence to principles of justice, honesty and fair play
8. Dignity of labor
9. Environmental concern.

Section 10. Practitioners shall cooperate with one another and with the
government for the achievement of the public good.

Section 11. The advertising industry should continue to improve the levels and
standards of advertising.

ARTICLE IV ADVERTISING CODE OF ETHICS

Section 1. PRESENTATION

1. Claims of product and service properties or their intended usage should be clearly presented and should not mislead or be likely to mislead the persons
to whom they are addressed by inaccuracy, ambiguity, exaggeration or
omission.

2. To protect brand equities and to avoid misleading consumers, advertising materials shall not contain features, elements or visual and audal presentations that are unique to the advertising of another brand regardless
of category.

3. An advertisement should avoid any possible confusion as to the identity of the advertiser or the source or identity of a product or service.

8. Advertisements should not undermine the public’s regard for government, law and duly constituted authority.

Section 12. NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, MEDICAL DEVICES AND
TREATMENTS

12.1 General Provisions

1. No pharmaceutical product may be advertised unless it has been duly registered with the BFAD. Only non-prescription drugs may be advertised in the mass media; prescription drugs can only be advertised through publications solely intended for the medical and allied professions.

2. Advertisements for non-prescription drugs, medical devices and treatments should not describe or dramatize distress (e.g., death or serious illness) in a morbid manner.

3. Advertisements of all non-prescription drugs should carry the advice, “If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.”

4. Advertisements of the benefits or use of non-prescription drugs, medical devices and treatments should be based on, or be within the context of and consistent with the indications and labeling of said products as approved by the BFAD or the appropriate government agency.

5. Advertisements should not depict consumers relying on, or otherwise encourage reliance on medicines as a solution for psychic, emotional or mood problems.

6. Advertisements of products designed to calm, sedate or stimulate should refer to the temporary symptomatic relief provided and should include a recommendation that label directions be followed.

7. Advertisements should not offer false hopes in the form of a cure or relief for the mentally or physically handicapped either on a temporary or permanent basis.

12.2 Special Terminology/Claims

1. In advertising medical products, claims that a product will effect a cure and the use of such words as “safe”, “without risk”, “harmless”, “instant”, “effective” or terms of similar import shall not be permitted, unless based on or within the context of and consistent with the indications and labeling of said products as approved by the BFAD.

2. Advertisements should not contain claims that a product or treatment will promote sexual virility, or be effective in treating sexual weakness, conditions associated with sexual excess or over-indulgence, or any ailment, illness or disease associated with these habits.

3. Non-prescription drugs, medical devices and treatments may not be directly or indirectly advertised as the answer to conditions of premature aging or loss of virility, unless officially so allowed in writing by the BFAD.

4. Advertisements should not offer any product or treatment for slimming/ weight reduction or figure control if independent medical opinion considers the use of the product or treatment as harmful.

5. The word “tonic” when used in advertisements shall state clearly the specific purpose for which the tonic is to be used or taken and shall not claim nor imply treatment or results related to sexual potency, inadequacy or the aging process.

12.3 Medical Practitioners

1. Endorsements direct or implied, by physicians or actors portraying physicians, of non-prescription drugs, medical devices, medical treatments and medical equipment shall not be allowed.

2. Unlicensed medical practitioners shall not be allowed to advertise their services.

3. Advertisements by a medical practitioner shall be subject to the Code of Ethics and applicable laws and rules of his profession. In any event, where allowed, such advertisements may state only the professional’s name, address office hours and licensed area of practice or specialization. Specialization shall mean the particular field of practice for which the professional has the appropriate education, training and expertise. The advertisement may not mention any specific ailments.

4. No clinic or hospital shall be used or portrayed in advertisements without the knowledge of and the written permission from its proper authority/ies.

12.4 VITAMINS AND FOOD/DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

1. Advertisements should not state or imply that vitamins and/or minerals alone can ensure or promote good health. Neither should advertisements state or imply that good health is likely to be endangered solely because people do not supplement their diet with vitamins and/or mineral.

2. Advertisements should not imply that they can be used to prevent or treat illness, elevate mood or enhance normal performance. Individuals should not be encouraged to swap a healthy diet for supplementation.

3. Endorsements direct or implied, by physicians or actors portraying physicians, of vitamins, food/dietary supplements shall not be allowed.

4. Advertisements should mention/carry the BFAD advice: “No Approved Therapeutic Claim.”