Actor-Turned-Politician Richard Gomez Proposes Bill Seeking To Ban Soft Drinks in Gov’t Functions
RICHARD GOMEZ – The Leyte 4th District Representative wants soft drinks and sweet beverages banned in official government events.
Nowadays, countless Filipinos are dealing with health problems. Among the common health problems is diabetes which can either be genetically inherited or developed. There are several triggers of diabetes and one of which is the frequent in-take of sugary foods and beverages.
Among the drinks that can trigger diabetes are soft drinks. It is widely known to the public that the drinking of soft drinks can lead to several diseases. It is also one of the culprits behind obesity.
However, although soft drinks are known to be unhealthy to the body, truth be told that they are among the favorite and comfort drinks of many people. In fact, a lot of individuals drink soft drinks at least once a day. Many people wants to put an end to craving of this kind of drinks but they just couldn’t.
Recently, a lawmaker in the House of Representatives want to step in and help promote a healthy environment in government offices and agencies by banning soft drinks. Based on a report on Inquirer, Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez filed the House Bill No. 10708.
The House Bill No. 10708 or otherwise known as the Bawal Soft Drinks at Sweet Drinks sa Gobyerno Act seeks to ban soft drinks and sweet beverages during official government functions. Gomez believes that it is a ncessary step in making a healthier environment in government work spaces and institutions.
Based on the report, Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez wants to ban soft drinks and other sweet beverages in the official functions of government offices, institutions, and agencies; public hospitals; local government units (LGUs); and state universities and colleges.
The move to ban the serving of soft drinks in official government functions is not the first time that a lawmaker expresses concern on fellow Filipinos’ healthy. Previously, Senator Cynthia Villar also reminded the public of the negative effects of eating too much rice amid the massive number of restaurants and food chains offering unli rice meals.