SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday urged drugstores and other retailers of pharmaceuticals in the country to immediately implement the exemption from the coverage of the Value Added Tax of some medicines for cancer, hypertension and other illnesses.
Gatchalian said such a move would be of great benefit to the public, especially those who are suffering from such ailments.
“Given the high prices of basic commodities, it is important that affordable medicines are made available to those who have existing medical conditions,” Gatchalian said.
“This should be implemented as soon as possible for the benefit of the public, especially those who have illnesses,” he added.
To recall, a total of 22 medicines were added to the existing list of over 2,000 VAT-exempt drugs for the prevention and management of diabetes, hypertension, cancer, high cholesterol, mental illnesses, tuberculosis, and kidney diseases, as well as medicines and medical devices specifically used for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
Among the medicines exempted from VAT are sonidegib capsule (200 mg), pemetrexed capsule(100mg), asciminib tablet (20 and 40mg), palbociclib tablet (75, 100 and 125mg), pemetrexed (as disodium hemipentahydrite), cabazitaxel (60mg/1.5ml concentrate for injection), and entrectinib capsule (100mg and 200mg), all for cancer.
Also exempted are losartan potassium+amlodipine (in 10mg, 100mg and 5mg tablets), as well as irbesartan+amlodipine (as besilate) in 300 mg/5 mg, and 300mg/10mg tablets.
Gatchalian said two medicines are taken by individuals with hypertension problems.
For mental illness, cariprazine (as hydrochloride) in 1.5mg, 3 mg, 4.5mg and 6mg capsules are also free from VAT coverage.
Earlier, the Bureau of Internal Revenue issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 17, series of 2024, containing the list of additional medicines to be covered by VAT exemption as provided by Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act.
