DESPITE strong opposition by tobacco companies, a lawmaker is pushing to restructure the excise tax on tobacco products.

Nueva Ecija Representative Joseph Gilbert Violago said one of the reasons why countries suffer from high economic losses is the "lack of productivity brought about by tobacco-related deaths and illnesses."

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"Smoking, regardless of brands, classification and prices, should be deterred and discouraged," Violago said in an article posted on the House of Representatives website.

Violago authored House Bill (HB) 4951, which aims to restructure the excise tax on alcohol and tobacco products and allot a portion of the revenue for the government's local health programs.

Representatives of tobacco firms, he said, have "raised constitutional issues and principles" regarding the validity of the bill.

Tobacco companies referred to their sector as "sensitive" and that it is a source of employment for poor families, particularly in the northern region of the country.

According to Violago, the measure could reduce the use of tobacco among Filipinos while increasing revenue to finance the various operations and functions of the government.

If approved, the bill also seeks to amend sections of Republic Act 8424 or the National Revenue Code of 1997.

The approval of HB 4951 is still pending before the House committee on ways and means. (JLCP/Sunnex)

For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

(December 5, 2008 issue)
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