Beginning Tuesday, cigarette ads and sponsorships will be banned in the Philippines.

The Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 mandates a total ban on cigarette ads effective July 1, said Dr. Maricar Limpin, president of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control-Alliance Philippines (FCAP).

According to Limpin, the ban does not affect areas considered as "point-of-sale establishments." Letters have already been sent to an inter-agency committee that will notify affected sectors about the ban.

On Tuesday, no tobacco ads will be allowed to be published in newspapers and any other publication. Tobacco firms will also not be allowed to sponsor any sport, concert, cultural art or event. In the same manner, individual or team athletes, artists and performers are not allowed to include any cigarette or tobacco company in their sponsorships.

Law violators will pay a fine of 100,000 pesos ($2,236) or one year imprisonment for the first offense. Fines will double on the second offense. A fine of 400,000 pesos and imprisonment of not more than two years will be the penalty during the third offense.

Any official from any firm found violating the ban will be held liable. The company's permit to operate will also be revoked.