The heavy burden of tobacco consumption and the high smoking prevalence in the Philippines should compel policy makers to put in place appropriate regulations, including legislation that will effectively curb the growth of tobacco use. Price and tax measures are undeniably effective in reducing tobacco consumption.
Towards contributing to the goal of improving tobacco control policies and increasing tax effort, this paper seeks to fortify the proposed legislative reforms to increase tobacco tax in the Philippines. Specifically, this paper aims to:
a. Present a background on the burden of tobacco, smoking prevalence, cigarette price and tobacco tax revenue trends and cigarette taxation system in the Philippines.
b. Determine the affordability of tobacco in the Philippines.
c. Estimate the immediate fiscal and public health impact of proposed tobacco tax increases in the Philippines.
Down load the file here: SITT Philippines Affordability Policy Paper_Final