BIR updates VAT-exempt medicines list, adds eight drugs

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has released an updated list of value-added tax (VAT)-exempt medicines, including those for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and mental illness.

Under Revenue Memorandum Circular 025-2025, the BIR added Gemigliptin tablets, Gemigliptine with Metformin, Sitagliptin with Metformin Hydrochloride, Sitagliptin Phosphate with Metformin Hydrochloride for diabetes, Amlodipine for hypertension, and Amlodipine + Atorvastatin tablets for high cholesterol.

The new list also includes Risperidone orodispersible tablet for mental illness, bringing the total to eight additional drugs specifically for treating these conditions.

Previously in December 2018, the BIR included 16 VAT-exempt medicines for cancer, diabetes, and mental illnesses, while implementation of VAT exemption for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes began in January 2019.

According to Philippine Statistics Authority data, heart disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular disease accounted for 40 percent of deaths in the country last year.