PHILIPPINES
Senators are considering a possible increase of excise taxes on tobacco products to fund the proposed universal health care (UHC) program.
Sonny Angara, chair of the senate committee on ways and means, said a legislative inquiry would be held to see if whether increasing the so-called “sin tax” would make for a viable source of funding.
“Sin taxes have been crucial in funding health programs of the government,” he added.
In October 2018, the senate passed the UHC bill on final reading. Under the UHC bill, all Filipino families will be covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. It also seeks to improve access to health services by ensuring the availability of medicines, and health facilities. Health advocates have also urged Angara to increase excise taxes on tobacco products through a dance program in front of the Senate.
Health secretary Francisco Duque was reported to have earlier said the government needs P769.55 bn to fund the first four years of the program.