Noy urged: Review sin tax bill

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino should thoroughly review the sin tax measure before signing it into law, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance - Philippines (FCAP) said.

Maricar Limpin, FCAP executive director, said Malacañang should make sure that the real copy of the sin tax measure would be signed into law.

“We appeal to the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office to make sure the copy of the law is the one released by the bicameral committee and ratified by the House of Representatives and the Senate,” said Limpin.      

Limpin said it is possible that tobacco companies through their allied lawmakers could find a way to insert provisions that could swing the favor to their side.

“The tobacco companies blocked this bill for decades. They have invested unimaginable resources to leave this in the cold in the halls of Congress. We don’t think they will take this victory of the people sitting down,” Limpin warned.      

“We don’t want the fruits of our hard-fought battle put to naught because we know that the tobacco companies will do everything in their financial and political powers to destroy this measure, even at the last minute,” she added.

 The House of Representatives and the Senate approved the bicameral committee report on the proposed sin tax bill Tuesday night. The measure is expected to discourage the public from smoking and drinking alcohol as prices of cigarettes and liquor will substantially increase.