Anti-tobacco advocates alarmed over BAT venture in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Anti-tobacco advocates have expressed concern over the $200-million, five-year business venture of the British American Tobacco (BAT) in the Philippines.

In a statement issued Friday, New Vois Association of the Philippines president Emer Rojas said it is always good news to hear foreign companies are interested in investing in the Philippines, “but not when it comes from an industry that sells poison for profit.”

“We have been working for sin tax reform because we know how it can improve and protect the right to health. When companies like BAT use it to their advantage, our government must have a back-up plan for health to counter $200-million plans to invest in the country,” Rojas said.

Lawyer Irene Reyes, managing director of Health Justice Philippines, said they are worried about more aggressive promotion of tobacco products with the entry of the BAT in the country.

“When a significant amount of money like this goes into the promotion of tobacco, we can expect more aggressive marketing strategies from the tobacco industry as the main players compete for the share of the Philippine market,” Reyes said.

She said the best way to protect the youth and the poor from the influence of the tobacco industry is “by putting stronger tobacco control measures in place, such as graphic warnings on cigarette packs and banning all forms of advertising and promotion that entice more people to smoke, including at points of sale.”

Ulysses Dorotheo, project director of Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance-Initiative on Tobacco Tax, said the sin tax is a big victory for public health and public health but the country should not let its guard down. 

The Senate recently ratified the sin tax bill, restructuring taxes on tobacco and alcohol products.

The measure is expected to raise some P33.96 billion in additional revenues when it takes effect on Jan. 1 next year.

Of this amount, some P23.4 billion will come from tobacco taxes while P10.56 billion will be raised by taxes from fermented liquor and distilled spirits.