Jump to full article: Manila Bulletin (ph), 2010-09-03
Author: BEN R. ROSARIO
Intro: Opposition and administration congressmen on Thursday slammed proposals to impose a 400 percent increase on taxes imposed on cigarettes in a bid to encourage Filipinos to kick the smoking habit.
Congressmen cited a number of reasons in rejecting the proposal of the Department of Health and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP).
Rep. Simeon Datumanong (Lakas- Kampi, Maguindanao) warned that the proposed hike in taxes would only add to the suffering of Filipinos.
On the other hand, Rep. Patricio Antonio (Agbiag party-list) warned that thousands of farmers from tobacco-growing regions in the country will absorb the adverse impact of making the cost of cigarettes restrictive.
Antonio, whose constituency includes tobacco farmers in Region I, also stressed that imposing a 400 percent hike on cigarette tax is not a guarantee that Filipinos will stop smoking.
Jump to full article » |