Health experts warn over 115K Filipinos die yearly from tobacco, vape, alcohol; call for higher taxes

Health experts warn that over 115,000 Filipinos die annually from diseases linked to tobacco, vape, and alcohol use, highlighting a worsening public health crisis.

Dr. Hector Santos, president of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), emphasized the need for stronger public health policies and higher taxes on these substances to reduce consumption and protect public health.

Over 200 doctors and health advocates from the Sin Tax Coalition are urging election candidates to commit to increasing taxes on tobacco, vape products, and alcohol as part of their platforms.

AJ Montesa, an economist at Action for Economic Reforms, highlighted that sin taxes have helped fund critical healthcare programs for over a decade and urged candidates to remain committed to these policies.

The coalition also criticized Senators Imee Marcos and Bong Revilla for supporting industry interests while praising Senators Pia Cayetano, Kiko Pangilinan, Ping Lacson, and Manny Pacquiao for their consistent pro-health votes.