A coalition of leading doctors is sounding the alarm. They are concerned about a surge in alcohol, tobacco, and vape use among Filipino youth. The Sin Tax Coalition is comprised of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS), Philippine Academy of Pediatric Pulmonologists (PAPP), and Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians (PSPHP). They call it a public health crisis. It demands immediate action.
New data reveals a dramatic increase in alcohol and tobacco consumption among young Filipinos since 2021. Action for Economic Reforms (AER) projections, based on the National Nutrition Survey, show a doubling of rates. This translates to a significant rise in the absolute number of young people using harmful substances. Imagine as young as 14 years old having access to electronic cigarettes or vaping.
“Every day we delay, another family suffers,” declared PMA President Dr. Hector Santos. “This isn’t just a trend; it’s an epidemic. We urge candidates to support health tax laws and stronger regulations.”
Dr. Riz Gonzales of the PPS highlighted the industry’s aggressive marketing tactics. “Flavored vapes and cheap alcohol, combined with social media promotion, are targeting our youth. We need government intervention to stop this.”
The coalition presented its 2025 Health Agenda, advocating for increased taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and vapes. Dr. R.J. Naguit of the PSPHP emphasized the need to prioritize public health over industry profits. “Our leaders must act decisively. Failure to do so leaves our youth vulnerable to predatory marketing.”
While the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS5) showed generally declining substance use among young adults, there is a recent surge in vaping, alcohol, and smoking. This surge underscores the urgency of the situation. The coalition’s manifesto aims to push for a new bill to address this growing concern. The doctors are calling on all election candidates to commit to protecting Filipino youth.
