MANILA – A group of physicians on Friday called on senators to fast-track the passage of the bill increasing tobacco tax to at least P60 per pack.
During a medical forum attended by at least 30 physicians, the doctors pointed out that the hearing on the bill “remains elusive despite sustained demand of health advocates and civil society organizations.”
Doctor Anthony Leachon urged Senate leaders, especially Senator Sonny Angara, chairperson of the Committee on Ways and Means, to “spearhead” the passage of the proposed measure.
“Urgent siya pero bakit ang Senate leaders natin, Senator Sotto, Migs Zubiri and even Senator Angara, hindi pa nagkakaroon ng sense or urgency na magpa-meeting?” Leachon asked.
“Kung gugustuhin mo, kaya mong gawin… ang magse-sheperd lang naman is the Committee chair,” he added.
According to Leachon, imposing higher tax on tobacco products would reduce smoking rate as well as generate additional funds for the government.
The doctors then vowed to support lawmakers who would support and champion the measure in the May elections.
The doctors also emphasized that “sin tax increase is the mother of all health bills and laws.”
“Without it, Universal Health Care, National Integrated Cancer Control Act, National Mental Health Act and other health measures recently passed by Congress are mere lip service,” the doctors said in a statement.
“The increase will benefit the current and future generations of all Filipinos from womb to tomb. It will save at least one million Filipinos from the deadly habit of smoking until year 2022,” they added.
For his part, Sen. JV Ejercito, chairman of the Committee on Health, admitted that senators are really pressed for time.
“I am with you in imposing higher tobacco tax. I’m hoping that we will be pushing this. Although, I have to be honest with you… we don’t have the luxury of time,” he said.
“We only have nine session days left before we go on break… The real battleground is not on the Senate. Kami po sa Senado ‘wag niyo po kami problemahin… sensitibo kami. The battleground will be the House,” Ejercito said.
The senator also mentioned that lawmakers still need to pass the national budget. “We will do our best. I’m just giving the scenario because it’s really a tight schedule,” he said.
President Rodrigo Duterte already expressed support for the imposition of additional excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol products.
The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading two bills seeking to raise taxes on alcohol and cigarette products.
House Bill 8677 seeks to increase cigarette tax to P37.50 per pack in July 2019, and will be raised by P2.50 a year after that.
On the other hand, Senator Manny Pacquiao proposed to raise the excise tax on cigarettes to P60 per pack, which is currently at P35, while Ejercito wants to raise its tax to P90 per pack. (GMA News)
