NEARLY seven out of 10 Filipinos support an increase in excise taxes on alcoholic products to reduce consumption, according to a presentation made by advocate group Sin Tax Coalition.
The group cited a nationwide survey implemented by local research firm WR Numero among Filipinos aged 18 and above which found that 67 percent of Filipinos support raising taxes on alcohol products, with the highest support recorded in Mindanao at 70 percent.
Meanwhile, a survey carried out by Vital Strategies, an international public health organization working across more than 80 countries, also found that three quarters of Filipinos have experienced or know someone who has experienced alcohol-related harms.
Further, community violence is the most concerning issue related to alcohol identified by respondents.
The survey was based on face-to-face interviews among 1,000 Filipinos aged 18 and above, between March 19 and April 15 of this year.
“The effects of alcohol go beyond the physiological effects on the body. Culturally, alcohol is seen as a benign substance. In truth, it is actually a psychoactive substance which can ruin someone’s life,” said Paul Filomeno, pediatrician and addiction specialist, representing the Philippine Addiction Specialists’ Society.
The Vital Strategies survey also found that 66 percent of Filipinos believe that alcohol is easy to buy, implying that stricter regulation for accessibility of alcohol is also needed in the Philippines.
The coalition said the great majority of Filipino adults believe that it is the government’s responsibility to address problems related to alcohol in the country, and most Filipinos support alcohol regulation, including taxes as well as non-tax measures such as limiting availability or reducing marketing, especially advertising that reaches children and youth.
The group called on the government to raise excise taxes on alcohol to address the rising economic and health burden of alcohol on Filipinos.
