Higher taxes, public ban on alcohol pushed in House

MANILA, Philippines — Something’s brewing in Congress that might not bode well for heavy drinkers.

Apart from the House of Representatives’ priority measure seeking to increase tax on alcohol, a bill has also been filed last week for a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places.

Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda, chair of the House ways and means committee, said the measure that is expected to raise P33.6 billion next year could be passed by the House this month since it was already approved during the previous Congress. 

The House is expected to swiftly pass the alcohol tax adjustment bill, which is among the measures the executive and legislative branches agreed to prioritize to raise more government funds.

Salceda cited Section 48 of the House Rules, which provides that bills approved on third reading in the previous Congress may be “disposed of as matters already reported upon the approval of majority of the members of the committee present, there being a quorum.”

The alcohol tax adjustment was among the priority measures set during the small group Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting last week.

Apart from higher prices, alcohol consumers may also be forced to drink in private.

Quezon 4th district Rep. Angelina Tan has filed a bill seeking to ban alcohol sale and use in specified public places.

House Bill No. 3049 proposes a prohibition on selling, serving and consumption of alcohol and alcoholic beverages in all streets, pathways, plazas, alleys, sidewalks, parks and parking areas in the country.

The measure likewise prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol in all establishments between 12 midnight to 8 a.m. and also in restaurants, clubs, hotels, retail stores, supermarkets, fast food chains, canteens, cafés, bar and cocktail lounges and other places with common business areas located within Metro Manila, highly urbanized areas and special economic zones after 2 a.m. 

“Alcoholism and violence have clearly become key public health issues that require urgent attention. Hence, it is imperative for the country to initiate a national policy to curb alcohol consumption in public places,” the lawmaker stressed.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last month, Duterte said he wants a law ordering all drinking establishments to close at midnight, but presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte merely wants a ban on liquor consumption by midnight.

Higher taxes  for e-cigarettes mulled

Anthony Leachon, Sin Tax Coalition co-convenor, said increasing tax rates on conventional cigarette alternatives is necessary to ensure funding for the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.

“Our view is that it should be higher than the existing tax rate but it should be lower than the tobacco tax rate given the amount of nicotine content,” Leachon disclosed.

“The funding shortfall for UHC has not yet been completely addressed. Health advocates are, therefore, calling for higher taxes on electronic cigarettes this 18th Congress,” he added.

According to Leachon, the revenue from the additional taxes on e-cigarette can help bridge the funding gap for UHC.