by Daphne Galvez, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Jan 29, 2019
MANILA, Philippines — Health advocates on Tuesday gathered outside the Senate complex in Pasay City to urge senators approve the bill seeking to further increase the excise tax on tobacco products.
The Sin Tax coalition along with civil society groups, doctors and nurses conducted the event while the Senate committee on ways and means started discussing in its chambers the proposed laws to increase tobacco tax.
Advocates held up signs with messages: “Isalba ang mga baga! Protektahan ang mga bata!” “Buwis sa yosi itaas na!”
Meanwhile, a group of tobacco farmers also held a protest action at the Senate to oppose moves for additional tax on tobacco products.
Members of the National Tobacco Growers Association and Cooperative displayed placards with messages: “Lagi Na Lang Tabako Ang Puntirya” “Justice for Tobacco Farmers” “No to excise tax increase.”
Senator Manny Pacquiao earlier filed Senate Bill 1599 seeking to raise cigarette excise tax to P60 per pack.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also filed a bill proposing to increase the tobacco excise tax to P70 per pack.
Earlier, the House ways and means committee approved on third and final reading a bill that seeks to raise the excise tax on tobacco products.
President Rodrigo Duterte has also approved the Deparment of Health (DOH) and the Department of Finance’s (DOF) proposal to increase excise tax on tobacco products. /jpv
It’s women’s month!
“Support women every day of the year!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and Made-in-the-Philippines
Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week
Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
Mar 4— Employee Appreciation Day
Mar 15 — World Consumer Rights Day
Mar 18 — Global Recycling Day
Mar 21 — International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Mar 23 — International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
Mar 25 — International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Mar 27 — Earth Hour
