Filipinos Express Discontent Over Proposed Taxes on Sweetened Beverages and Foods

A proposal in the Philippine Congress to impose new excise taxes on sweetened beverages and foods, including 3-in-1 coffee and ice cream, has sparked dismay among the public, who are already struggling with the rising cost of basic goods. Lawmakers, led by Rep. Antonino Roman III of Bataan and Rep. Krisel Lagman of Albay, have proposed a P6 excise tax on 3-in-1 coffees and flavored milk, citing concerns over their high sugar content. Roman himself expressed surprise at the intense sweetness of a 3-in-1 coffee he tasted. The Department of Finance has also suggested removing tax exemptions on natural fruit juices, vegetable juices, and edible ices like ice creams and frozen yogurts. Finance Undersecretary Karl Adriano indicated that tax reforms could lead to a significant jump in the excise tax burden on beverages by 2027. For instance, he projected that carbonated beverage taxes, currently at 5%, could rise to around 15% by 2027, with annual indexation ensuring the tax burden is not eroded. "Given this reform, on average, consumption will decrease by around 27.2%. Wherein carbonated beverage consumption will decrease by around 32%," Adriano continued. A House panel has also backed proposals to increase taxes on sweetened beverages to discourage excessive sugar consumption and reduce the burden of diet-related diseases in the country. Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. of Batanes highlighted that poor nutrition places a heavy burden on productivity and long-term development, noting that diet-related illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers have become major causes of death in the country, contributing to over 30,000 premature deaths in 2021. The pending measures propose increasing the excise tax on sweetened beverages using purely caloric or non-caloric sweeteners from the current P6 per liter to between P9 and P20 per liter, depending on the bill. For beverages using purely high-fructose corn syrup, proposed rates range from P18 to P40 per liter, up from the current P12. However, the public reaction has been largely negative. Social media users expressed concerns that simple treats like ice cream would become luxuries for many families. "Para sa mga kapos, ‘yung simpleng ice cream na maliit na treat lang sana para sa pamilya, magiging luxury na. Kung gusto talagang maging healthy ang Pilipino, gawing mas accessible at affordable ang healthy choices, hindi puro pataas ng presyo ng pagkain," one Facebook user commented. Others voiced skepticism, linking the proposals to corruption allegations and questioning the destination of the tax revenues. "Taxes are BS (bulls**t) at this point… it only goes to the pockets of corrupt politicians… so, why even pay taxes?" read one comment, while another sarcastically asked, "Wala na bang makupitan?" (Is there no one left to squeeze?). Another quipped, "Haha kulang pa ba ‘yung ninananakaw?" (Haha, isn't the stolen money enough?). Questions about where the tax money would be allocated, with hopes it would go towards education and teacher hiring, were also raised. Rep. Stella Quimbo, chairperson of the House Ways and Means Committee, stated that the committee would continue to scrutinize the proposals to strike a balance between their health objectives and their fiscal and economic implications. Information Source: Interaksyon Politics