Press Release
February 6, 2019

OPENING STATEMENT ON SB 2197 EXCISE TAX ON ALCOHOL

MAGANDANG UMAGA PO SA LAHAT.

I would like to THANK THE COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE CHAIR SEN. ANGARA for taking action on our proposal to increase alcohol tax. Maraming salamat din po sa ating mga RESOURCE PERSONS na nagpa-unlak sa ating imbitasyon.

Right at the start, we would like to highlight that EXCESSIVE DRINKING is dangerous to our health and bad for our society.

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION IDENTIFIED THAT ALCOHOL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR 1 IN 20 DEATHS.

It was also reported that the cause of more than 200 health conditions, numerous cases of sexual and drug abuse, suicide, violence, and accidents are linked to alcohol intoxication.

IN 2015, THERE WERE 2,690 TRANSPORT AND VEHICULAR CRASH-RELATED INJURIES THAT WERE ALCOHOL-RELATED.

With this, I filed Senate Bill No. 2197: "INCREASING THE EXCISE TAX RATES ON ALCOHOL PRODUCTS".

There has been countless debates on the positive and harmful effects of alcohol. However, unlike tobacco smoking, excessive alcohol intake affects the mind. It affects judgment. These mindless judgments have affected the lives of countless people: including women, children, and the elderly. Will we allow people to continue these mindless actions?

Bukod dito, may mga kababayan tayong umabot na sa puntong imbis na ipambili ng bigas ang natitira nilang pera, ipanggagastos na lang nila sa bisyo.

I would like to emphasize: ALCOHOL IS NOT A NECESSITY.

UULITIN KO: WE CAN NOT AFFORD TO PUT TAXES ON BASIC GOODS SUCH AS RICE, WATER, AND FOOD. Paano na lang ang mga kababayan nating hirap na nga maghanap ng pagkain sa pang-araw-araw? Dadagdagan pa ba natin ang paghihirap nila?

WITH THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE, CONTINUOUS FUNDING IS NEEDED. By increasing the tax on alcohol, along with tobacco, we can help the government raise funds that will ultimately benefit all our citizens. This would bring far greater good to our countrymen compared to whatever benefits alcohol may have to some consumers.

In addition, alcoholic beverages has been too readily available. By increasing the tax, this can discourage the youth, the poor, and the marginalized to be exposed to alcoholic beverages at an early age.

  • Hindi ba mas mabuting gastusin nila ang kanilang pera sa pang-araw-araw nilang pangangailangan?

  • Hindi ba mas mabuting matulungan natin ang kabataan na mag-focus sa pag-aaral at ilihis sila mula sa bisyo?

  • Hindi ba mas mabuting mabawasan ang mga biktima ng trahedya sa kalsada dahil sa mga lasing?

Mr. Chair, we are here to give our constituents a better life. We are here to give the people what they really need. LET US PURSUE THIS MEASURE FOR THE GOOD OF OUR PEOPLE.

MARAMING SALAMAT PO.

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