Taxing Health Risks

The Philippines, with 17.3 million adult smokers, has one of the highest smoking prevalence rates in the world. Tobacco price and tax measures are the most effective measures to reduce tobacco use, as recognized under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). The Philippines, known as one of the countries with the cheapest cigarettes in the world and the highest number of consumers, has much to gain from increasing tobacco excise taxes in terms of achieving health objectives. Tobacco excise tax should be viewed as a means of both achieving health objectives and gaining additional revenue. Tobacco taxes can directly contribute to health promotion through a dedicated tax system to ensure that a portion of the excise taxes is channeled towards health promotion initiatives.

Download the file here:  Taxing Health Risks