Senmer News Wire:Higher alcohol, tobacco taxes to fund Universal Health Care programs in the Philippines
Senmer News Wire : More than being a means to raise funds, Duque said increased alcohol and tobacco taxes are a health measure which would keep Filipinos especially the youth away from smoking and drinking alcohol. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III on Friday stressed the importance of passing the pending sin tax bills in the Senate to ensure sufficient funding for the Universal Health Care (UHC) program and improve health condition in the country. In a press brifieng at the Department of Finance, Duque said the DOH envisions the Philippines as one of the healthiest countries in South East Asia by 2040. “This can only be done if we keep Filipinos healthy and we provide affordable health care to those who get sick, and these are the two main reasons why we need to increase tobacco and alcohol taxes once more,” he added. More than being a means to raise funds, Duque said increased alcohol and tobacco taxes are a health measure which would keep Filipinos esp...