Tobacco and alcohol are one of the most top selling products in the nation not just because it is highly addictive but it has an average yet affordable price. You can buy a bucket (6 bottles) of beer with just 175 pesos. I can’t disagree that these products are a big contribution to the economy of the country. Every year, millions of bottles and packets of alcohol and cigarettes are sold each year. Plus, these products help people to get to know each other via parties as these products tend to boost confidence (e.g. when you get drunk). Although these products are a great help to the economy, high death rates also occur because of these. Too many accidents are happening and crime rates are rising too. The Nicotine in the tobacco can destroy the lungs, or worst, the whole body.
The Philippines aim is to create a clean, healthy and peaceful environment, this can’t be achieved if too many people drink and smoke. So on December 20, 2012, President Aquino signed Republic Act No. 10351 or the sin tax law. This law raises the normal prices of these commodities (Cigarettes, beer, liquor, wine and other alcoholic beverages). He said:
“Today, we are again making history: for the past 15 years, we have been trying to reform the tax structure of imposing excise tax on tobacco and alcohol products. After 15 long years, we have finally succeeded. As the people’s servant, I shall personally ensure that this government shall implement the Sin Tax Reform Act of 2012 in a transparent and accountable manner starting Jan. 1, 2013,”.
