As the nation prepares for Araw ng Kagitingan, over 200 doctors and health advocates gathered to send a powerful message to candidates for the 2025 elections: Put public health first and commit to raising taxes on tobacco, vape, and alcohol to protect the Filipino youth from a mounting epidemic.
The media event spotlighted the Health Tax Heroes and Hazards—a gallery that not only praised candidates with strong pro-health records but also exposed those who have prioritized industry profits over the well-being of the Filipino people.
The Health Tax Heroes include: Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Senator Ping Lacson, and Senator Manny Pacquiao, as well as Akbayan and ANAKalusugan party-lists. They have consistently supported taxing harmful products like cigarettes, vape, and alcohol, helping fund vital healthcare programs. ML Partylist and Aksyon Dapat were cited for supporting pro-health platforms.
On the flip side, the Health Tax Hazards, those who failed to stand with public health and instead sided with industry interests, include Senators Imee Marcos and Bong Revilla.
“We need candidates for the 2025 elections to be Health Tax Heroes and stand with us in prioritizing the health and well-being of our people,” AJ Montesa, economist of Action for Economic Reforms – Sin Tax Coalition said.
“For over a decade, the laws taxing tobacco, vape, and alcohol products have helped fund critical healthcare programs. We have to stay the course so that these taxes keep impacting consumption, given the ongoing epidemic affecting young people,” Montesa urged.
The doctors revealed their Health Manifesto, demanding candidates adopt the policy: “Tax Yosi, Vape, at Alak Now.” The manifesto calls for lawmakers to strengthen and expand sin tax laws, and insists that voters scrutinize the voting records of candidates—especially in light of the controversial Sin Tax Sabotage bill recently passed in the House of Representatives.
“We are on the front lines, witnessing the devastating effects of tobacco, alcohol, and vaping on our communities, especially the youth,” Dr. Hector Santos, president of the Philippine Medical Association.
“More than 115,000 Filipinos die yearly because of these harmful products. Taxing these substances is a life-saving measure, more than an economic tool. It is our responsibility to protect the next generation from preventable diseases and early deaths caused by these harmful products,” Dr. Santos said.
Dr. Maricar Limpin, president of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, underscored the political influence of the tobacco, alcohol, and vaping industries. “For years, some lawmakers have prioritized corporate profits over Filipino lives. This election, we are making sure voters know exactly who has betrayed public health,” she said.
The Health Taxes campaign is supported by a coalition of medical societies and advocates, including the Sin Tax Coalition, Philippine Medical Association, Philippine College of Chest Physicians, and the Hepatology Society of the Philippines.
The coalition clarified that its statements reflect its commitment to public health advocacy, but should not be construed as endorsements or political opposition. It said these views are solely those of the coalition.
