AMID continuous moves to reduce excise taxes on tobacco and vape products, the Department of Health (DOH) expressed strong opposition, saying efforts to reduce their consumption must remain in place and even strengthened.
In a statement released late Saturday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said they are strongly against all efforts in Congress to reduce excise taxes on tobacco and vape products.
“The DOH stands firm in its opposition to any measures seeking to decrease the real price of tobacco products, including legislative measures that seek to disrupt the existing tobacco excise tax indexation,” said Herbosa.
“We strongly support the strengthening and implementation of a unified excise tax measure for vapor products,” he added.
The health chief said they will be able to better protect the youth from the harms of tobacco and vapes if they can keep tobacco and vape tax rates high.
“DOH will continue its work in protecting both present and future generations from the devastating effects of tobacco and vape use,” said Herbosa.
Earlier in the year, the House of Representatives passed House Bill (HB) No. 11360, which reduces the tax rates for tobacco and vaping products.
On the other hand, the Senate has been pushing for higher excise taxes on tobacco and vape products.
And while debates continue at the policy-making level, the health department said tobacco and vape control efforts must also remain at the individual level.
“The DOH also prioritizes individual-level interventions aimed at influencing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of each Filipino,” said Herbosa.
“These person-focused strategies complement broader structural and environmental interventions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tobacco control,” he added.
Herbosa said this is the reason why the DOH reintroduced “Yosi Kadiri” as well as its allies “Vape Sulasok,” “Eva Li,” and “Ate Rose” during the celebration of the “World No Tobacco Day” last Saturday.
“This team is set to expose the raw truth: tobacco and vape products carry fatal risks,” said Herbosa.
Yosi Kadiri was a popular character back in the 90s during the DOH’s anti-smoking campaign, which depicted the face of a chain smoker.
On the other hand, the new characters are Vape Sulasok, who is a vape posing as fashionable; Eva Li, who is a lung nearing death; and Ate Rose, who is a massive blockage in arteries.
