Tobacco.org

GMA allies buck SICPA plan  

President Arroyo’s allies at the House yesterday opposed the “tamper proof” strip stamps on every pack of cigarette and bottle of liquor proposed by Switzerland-based SICPA Product Security SA, saying it amounts to the imposition of additional taxes.

The congressmen, during a briefing of the House committee on ways and means conducted by SICPA officials, also expressed doubts over the project’s viability considering that it would cost the government close to P18 billion.

Rep. Mauricio Domogan (Lakas-Kampi CMD, Baguio) said BIR would violate the Constitution if it signs the SICPA contract.

“Whether you like it or not, this is a form of taxation. Adding cost to be passed on to consumers, to me, is just another form of taxation which I don’t think can be done by the mere signing of a contract,” he said.

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