13 May 2015 – Representative Estrellita Suansing of the 1st District of Nueva Ecija gave a presentation on a draft bill concerning the health of Filipinos during the Technical Meeting on Fiscal Policies on Diet, which was conducted by the World Health Organization on May 05 and 06. her experience Representative Suansing is currently proposing to the Philippines’ House of Representatives a draft bill that would introduce taxes on softdrinks. Ambassador Cecilia Rebong, Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, reported this to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The lawmaker’s draft bill aims to enhance public health by lowering the risk of obesity and related illnesses of Filipinos, especially among the youth, by imposing an excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Revenues from the tax will be allocated to various agencies in support of health-related programs.
Sodas, or softdrinks as more commonly known in the Philippines, have been described as having high sugar content.
“The Technical Meeting provides an opportunity for countries to share experiences, including successes and challenges, in introducing and implementing policies that have an impact on public nutrition,” said Ambassador Rebong.
Representative Suansing identified the challenges she had been facing in introducing the bill, including industry lobby, concerns raised by local sugar producers, and the political commitment necessary to introduce another sin tax law.
She nevertheless highlighted important factors necessary to help move the bill forward, namely the need for transparency and accountability on the allocation of the additional tax revenues; the importance of dialogue between the legislators and implementing bodies and the affected stakeholders; and the recognition that the bill was a part of a larger, comprehensive and multi-dimensional health campaign. END