Health Group Lauds DOF’s Proposal to Increase Taxes on Cigarettes, Alcohol, Soft Drinks

HealthJustice Philippines on Thursday welcomed the proposal of the Department of Finance (DOF) to increase taxes on cigarettes, liquor, and sweetened beverages, among others.

HealthJustice Philippines is a public health think tank and advocacy group with expertise in tobacco control and health promotion.

The group said they fully support the proposal of Secretary Carlos Dominguez, which they described as examples of laudable health measures, after a bill was submitted to Congress, in which tax would depend on sugar content.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte, during his first State-of- the-Nation Address (SONA) last July 25, said he is for the reduction of the maximum personal income tax rate and plans to exempt those with a monthly income of PHP25,000 or less from paying the personal income tax.

“We support the proposal of the Department of Finance Secretary to impose higher taxes on cigarettes, alcohol and soft drinks. Higher taxes, in this case, are primarily health measures. By imposing them, we are discouraging people from making unhealthy choices and encouraging them to have healthier lifestyles,” said Atty. Irene Reyes, Managing Director of HealthJustice.

The group has been actively campaigning for the imposition of higher taxes on tobacco products, liquor, and soft drinks and other sweetened beverages.

In November 2015, the group released a statement supporting a House Bill proposing a 10 percent ad valorem tax on soft drinks, saying it would address increasing obesity in the Philippines.

“Some 240 Filipinos die every day due to smoking-related illnesses. About 29.9 percent of Filipinos are obese. These are compelling reasons to push for higher taxes in favor of the health of the Filipino people,” Reyes added. (PNA) SCS/CVL/LSJ