Life Today PH

MANILA — The Sin Tax Coalition has welcomed the proposal of House Ways and Means Committee Chair Rep. Miro Quimbo to raise excise taxes on vapor products and sugar-sweetened beverages, but urged Congress to include alcohol tax reforms in the package.

Quimbo said the proposed measures are intended to offset the estimated ₱50 billion in foregone revenue from the administration’s proposed tax relief package while protecting funding for essential public services.

The coalition said the proposed reforms should go further, citing the country’s fiscal pressures and the need to generate additional revenues.

“But the reform should not end there. The fiscal pressure is enormous and every additional revenue is critical. Hence the package must include alcohol taxation,” it said.

The Sin Tax Coalition said health taxes on vapor and tobacco products, sugar-sweetened beverages, and alcohol products have consistently proven to be among the most effective fiscal measures.

“Health taxes—vapor and tobacco products, sugar sweetened beverages and alcohol products—have consistently proven to be among the most effective fiscal measures. They hit two birds with one stone: they generate much-needed revenues while reducing the consumption of products that contribute to noncommunicable diseases and other harm,” the coalition said.

It said the need to raise revenues is particularly important amid fiscal pressures arising from the global fuel crisis, rising public expenditures, and an expanding list of commitments in healthcare and social protection.

The coalition said recovering revenues through taxes on all products that harm health would be both prudent and equitable.

“The Coalition thus urges Congress to include alcohol tax reforms as part of the comprehensive revenue package,” it said.

Alcohol remains a leading risk factor for disease, injuries, and premature deaths, according to the coalition, while also imposing substantial costs on families, the healthcare system, and the economy.

It said updating alcohol excise taxes would generate additional revenues to support the proposed tax relief package and strengthen the country’s fiscal position, while also helping reduce alcohol-related harms.

As Congress pursues tax relief for workers and small businesses, the coalition said it is equally important to ensure that the measures remain fiscally responsible.

It said a comprehensive package that includes stronger taxes on vape products, sugary drinks, and alcoholic beverages could help protect public health and sustain investments in essential government services.

“Health taxes are not just revenue measures, they are investments in a healthier and more fiscally sound Philippines,” the coalition said.