Issue No. 69 - March - April 2012 - DOH

HEALTH policyHealth Secretary Enrique T. Ona, during the hearing on excise tax reform on alcohol and tobacco products, explaining that the main intention of House Bill5727. (Photo by Paking Repelente)Honorable Legislators, Please PassThe Abaya Sin Tax BillbyDONATO DENNIS B. MAGATand ANTHONY R. RODA, MAHeSoSHEALTHbeat StaffCongress Delayed is Health DeniedThere is a tug-of-war in the Houseof Representatives in reforming the excisetax structure of the so-called “sin” products,particularly tobacco and alcohol, and it maystill take a while or even the next Congressto do so even if it has been classified urgentby President Benigno S. Aquino III and withpressures from the World Trade Organizationfor the government to enact a new excise taxlaw that would be compliant with the globalstandards.The country’s cigarettes andalcoholic drinks are among the cheapestin the world! Cigarettes, for example,have become cheaper relative to basiccommodities such as food, education, andMarch - April 2012 I HEALTHbeat 33