Stop moratorium on tobacco tax, slap same rates on vapes, health group urged lawmakers
January 13, 2025Statement on Philip Morris’ Mobile Clinic donation to the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development and Turnover Ceremony in Malacañan Palace
March 29, 2025
In observance of National Cancer Awareness Month this February, public health advocacy group, HealthJustice Philippines, challenged lawmakers to junk House Bill 11360 or the “Sin Tax Sabotage Bill” and stop sabotaging the health of Filipinos, especially the youth, by exposing them to a higher risk of cancer when tobacco products are made more accessible and affordable.
On Tuesday, H.B 11360 was approved on 2nd reading by the House plenary. HealthJustice emphasized, railroading H.B. 11360 that seeks to lower excise tax rates on tobacco products will gravely harm the health of our people. It is a misaligned solution to curb falling tax revenues due to illicit tobacco trade, HealthJustice added.
“There is nothing more urgent than the health of our people, especially our next generation. We have worked too hard to enact the Sin Tax Law that has proven to reduce tobacco consumption and smoking among Filipinos. We refuse measures that will sabotage our hard-won strides that will lead to a surge in the number of Filipinos who will easily access cigarettes, become addicted, acquire diseases like lung cancer, and die from smoking,” said Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, former Health Secretary and Board Member of HealthJustice.
Estimates by policy analysts of the Sin Tax Coalition show that a rollback in sin taxes on tobacco products will make cigarettes more affordable and result in 400,000 new smokers and more than P27 billion in lost revenue in a span of 5 years.
Cancer patients support network, Cancer Coalition Philippines, also reminded lawmakers that forgone Sin Taxes will be a roadblock to preventing cancer and administering cancer care.
“Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer which is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Philippines. Annually, smoking leads to P414 billion loss in productivity and related treatment costs. The passage of H.B. 11360 will lead to a projected increase of close to 500,000 new smokers by 2030, many of whom belong to the youth sector. Studies have shown that the Sin Tax Law led to smokers either quitting smoking or reducing their daily consumption,” said Carmen Auste-Sarmiento, Vice President of Cancer Coalition Philippines.
Auste-Sarmiento further explained, “Passing H.B. 11360 will cancel out these gains and put more lives, especially young lives, at risk. It will also jeopardize the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law and their essential life-saving health programs and services. We strongly urge our legislators to consider the impact of this action on the health and well-being of everyone. We ask that they reject H.B. 11360 and reiterate their commitment to a smoke-free Philippines.”
Alyannah Lagasca, Lead Convenor of the Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA) Youth Network, also argued against the bill and said, “There is zero evidence to show that higher tax rates on tobacco products causes an increase in illicit tobacco trade. We see beyond this deceptive narrative that wrongfully motivates the passage of H.B 11360 in such a hurry. Rather, we urge our lawmakers to consider the profound impact this bill may have on the younger generation and to place high value on their health and wellbeing.”
“By prioritizing health-conscious policies, we can shape a future that empowers young people to develop fully and achieve their highest potential. Ensuring that our legislative decisions are aligned with promoting health and wellness will provide the necessary foundation for the younger generation to thrive and contribute positively to society,” Lagasca continued.
The bill proposed that tax rates on sin products like tobacco will increase by 2% every even-numbered year starting 2026, then increase by 4% every odd-numbered year starting 2027. The scheme will continue until 2035.
The controversial bill was co-sponsored by House Deputy Speaker and Ilocos Sur 2nd District Representative Kristine Singson-Meehan, Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing, and Cagayan De Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.
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Contact person/s:
Mariz Amante Wee
Communications Officer, HealthJustice
+63998-885-1080 / +974-669-86655
Anelle Cortez
Project Coordinator, HealthJustice
+639178139696
