Sin tax to ensure funding for health care – Ejercito
Credit to Author: BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO| Date: Wed, 09 Jan 2019 16:21:08 +0000
SEN. Joseph Victor Ejercito on Wednesday said President Rodrigo Duterte’s support for additional excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol products is beneficial to the government’s health care program.
“That is welcome, of course, since it will ensure funding for the Universal Health Care Program,” he said.
The annual revenue projection from collected excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol is from P45 billion to P50 billion, said Ejercito, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health.
Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao earlier filed a bill raising the excise tax on cigarettes to P60 per pack from P35, while Ejercito, in a separate bill, sought to raise the excise tax on cigarettes to P90 per pack.
Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo earlier said the President has certified as urgent the bill hiking the excise tax of tobacco and alcohol.
Also on Wednesday, Ejercito sought the establishment of a hospital exclusive to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel and their dependents.
He earlier filed Senate Bill 2128 which seeks to establish the PCG General Hospital in the Coast Guard Base Taguig in Lower Bicutan, Taguig City.
“This measure aims to recognize their hard work, bravery and heroism. To address their wellbeing is the State’s utmost concern without sacrificing and jeopardizing the future of their family and loved ones,” Ejercito said.
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