More than 200 doctors recently rallied before “Araw ng Kagitingan.” They urged 2025 election candidates to commit to higher taxes on tobacco, vaping products, and alcohol. The goal? Protect Filipino youth from a growing health crisis.
The doctors organized a media event. They created a gallery called “Health Tax Heroes and Hazards.” This highlighted senators’ voting records on sin taxes.
Several senators earned “Health Tax Hero” status. These senators consistently supported increased taxes. They include Senators Pia Cayetano, Kiko Pangilinan, Ping Lacson, and Manny Pacquiao.
Conversely, Senators Imee Marcos and Bong Revilla received “Health Tax Hazard” labels. The doctors felt these senators prioritized industry interests over public health.
“We need 2025 candidates to be Health Tax Heroes,” said AJ Montesa, an economist with the Action for Economic Reforms – Sin Tax Coalition. Montesa stressed the importance of continued sin taxes. These taxes fund crucial healthcare programs. He said, “We must continue to impact consumption.”
The doctors launched a campaign. The campaign’s slogan: “Tax Yosi, Vape, at Alak Now!” This is a key policy in the coalition’s Health Manifesto. The manifesto seeks commitments from lawmakers to support pro-health legislation.
The campaign encourages voters to examine candidates’ records. They highlight the recent “Sin Tax Sabotage” bill. This bill passed in the House of Representatives. It aimed to undermine tax collection efforts.
Dr. Hector Santos, president of the Philippine Medical Association, spoke on the campaign’s urgency. “We see the devastating effects of tobacco, alcohol, and vaping,” he said. He highlighted the staggering number of deaths. “More than 115,000 Filipinos die yearly,” he stated. Taxing these products is essential, he added. It’s a life-saving measure, not just an economic one.
Dr. Maricar Limpin, president of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, added her voice. She noted the undeniable health harms. “But so is the political influence of these industries,” she said. She emphasized that some lawmakers prioritize profit over lives. This election, voters will know who has betrayed public health.
The Health Taxes campaign involves many medical societies and advocates. This includes the Sin Tax Coalition, the Philippine Medical Association, the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, and the Hepatology Society of the Philippines. They are working together to protect public health.
