Solon seeking higher sin taxes to fund healthcare

By Maricel V. Cruz

REP. Ray Reyes of AnaKalusugan partylist group on Thursday stressed the need to further increase the tax imposed on the so-called sin products to fund Universal Health Care (UHC) and promote a healthier lifestyle, especially among the youth.

“Studies have shown that Sin Tax is working lalo na sa ating mga kabataan. Through this measure, we help millions of Filipinos from acquiring preventable diseases - especially tobacco-related illnesses,” Reyes said.

Reyes cited a recent study from the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) which showed a decrease in alcohol, cigarette, and vape consumption among teens due to the rising costs of sin products.

The recent Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS) showed that smoking among 15–24-year-olds went down from a high of 22 percent in 1994 to 12 percent in 2021, said Reyes, vice chair of the House committee on health.