DOH, health advocates laud move to hike sin taxes on tobacco, vape, alcohol
Published Nov 13, 2019 10:27 am
By Analou de Vera
The Department of Health (DOH) and health advocates on Wednesday lauded the move of President Duterte to certify as urgent the measure that seeks to increase the excise taxes on alcohol, heated tobacco, and vapor products.
Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (CZAR DANCEL / MANILA BULLETIN)
"Extremely appreciate the move of PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) to certify as urgent sin tax on alcohol and E- cigarettes, and vapes," said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
The Sin Tax Coalition said it has been writing to the Office of the President for months, asking to release a certification of urgency for the said measure.
"As such, we welcome the news that this important health measure has been certified as urgent. We now call on our senators to heed the call of the President, and quickly approve the reform,” said Sin Tax Coalition Co-Convenor Dr. Anthony Leachon.
Last Tuesday, President Duterte called for the immediate enactment of Senate Bill No. 1074 to "address the urgent need to generate additional revenue to support the effective implementation of the Universal Health Care Act and to further protect the right to health of the people."
The said measure was sponsored by Senate and Ways Committee Chairperson Pia Cayetano.
Leachon said that it is vital to pass the measure as soon as possible to address the funding gap for the Universal Health Care law.
"A shortage of funds will lead to a delay in fulfilling the promise of quality and affordable health care for all Filipinos, which is why it is imperative that we pass this measure before the year ends as a means to achieve our health care milestones,” said Leachon.
"According to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Senate Bill 1074 is expected to raise at least P47.9 billion in incremental revenue for its first year of implementation. This would help bridge the funding gap for the first year of UHC," he added.
Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (CZAR DANCEL / MANILA BULLETIN)
"Extremely appreciate the move of PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) to certify as urgent sin tax on alcohol and E- cigarettes, and vapes," said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
The Sin Tax Coalition said it has been writing to the Office of the President for months, asking to release a certification of urgency for the said measure.
"As such, we welcome the news that this important health measure has been certified as urgent. We now call on our senators to heed the call of the President, and quickly approve the reform,” said Sin Tax Coalition Co-Convenor Dr. Anthony Leachon.
Last Tuesday, President Duterte called for the immediate enactment of Senate Bill No. 1074 to "address the urgent need to generate additional revenue to support the effective implementation of the Universal Health Care Act and to further protect the right to health of the people."
The said measure was sponsored by Senate and Ways Committee Chairperson Pia Cayetano.
Leachon said that it is vital to pass the measure as soon as possible to address the funding gap for the Universal Health Care law.
"A shortage of funds will lead to a delay in fulfilling the promise of quality and affordable health care for all Filipinos, which is why it is imperative that we pass this measure before the year ends as a means to achieve our health care milestones,” said Leachon.
"According to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Senate Bill 1074 is expected to raise at least P47.9 billion in incremental revenue for its first year of implementation. This would help bridge the funding gap for the first year of UHC," he added.