Tobacco tax hike bill to save lives of 200K Filipinos

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Wednesday the approval of a bill raising the tobacco excise tax would save the lives of 200,000 Filipinos from the ill effects of smoking. (PNA Photo)

MANILA — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Wednesday the approval of a bill raising the tobacco excise tax would save the lives of 200,000 Filipinos from the ill effects of smoking.

“We are one step closer to enacting this bill that seeks higher tobacco excise taxes into law. On behalf of the Department of Health (DOH), I extend my gratitude to the Department of Finance led by Secretary Sonny Dominguez and our legislators at both houses of Congress for fighting with us to protect the health of every Juan and Juana,” Duque said in a statement.

The World Health Organization (WHO) put at 7 million the annual number of deaths worldwide from tobacco use. About 260,000 of these cases are child deaths caused by inhalation of secondhand smoke.

Duque said the approved bill would decrease smoking prevalence to 20 percent by 2023 and would help fill the PHP40 billion funding gap for the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) law, which ensures comprehensive quality and affordable health care for all Filipinos.

“This is a testament to how collective action can result into policies for the greater good,” he added.

The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading the excise taxes on tobacco products.

With 20 affirmative votes and no negative vote, the Senate passed Bill 2233 seeking an increase in excise tax for every cigarette pack from PHP45 to PHP60 for the next four years.

With regard to claims promoting the use of Electronic Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems or e-cigarettes as healthier alternatives to smoking, Duque reiterated that e-cigarettes should be treated and regulated no differently from other tobacco products.

“There is no scientific proof yet that can say e-cigarettes are completely harmless. For the DOH, there is absolutely no acceptable level of harm, especially when Filipino lives are put to risk,” he said.

Duque added the DOH would work on the regulation of other “sin” products, such as alcohol and e-cigarettes, when the 18th Congress commences.

“Secondhand smoking affects non-smokers or excessive use of alcohol can lead to road accidents. The DOH will continue to work towards progressive policies that upload the health and well-being of the Filipino,” he said.