Congress Targets Sweet Drinks with Higher Taxes

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A new bill has been proposed by three lawmakers to amend the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law by imposing additional taxes on sweetened beverages. This move, announced during a press briefing on September 30, aims to combat the rising incidence of obesity and non-communicable diseases in the Philippines. The proposed House Bill No. 5003, led by Albay 1st District Rep. Cielo Krisel Lagman, seeks to increase the tax on drinks containing caloric and non-caloric sweeteners from ₱12 to ₱40 per liter.

During the briefing, Rep. Lagman highlighted President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.'s emphasis on nutrition in his State of the Nation Address (SONA). He pointed out the President's call for increased physical activity and emphasized viewing the tax increase as a health measure rather than merely a fiscal one. The bill also aims to introduce a ₱6 tax on flavored milk, fermented milk, flavored non-dairy milk beverages, and sweetened coffee products.

The additional excise tax revenue will be allocated to various health-related initiatives, with 40% going to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., 10% to the Department of Health's Health Facilities Enhancement Program, and 50% to the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Rep. Lagman is joined by Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima and Dinagat Islands lone District Rep. Kaka Bag-ao in championing HB 5003. The proposal reflects a strategic health-driven effort to address public health concerns related to sugary drink consumption.

Key Takeaways

• A proposed bill raises taxes on sweetened drinks to counter obesity.
• Lawmakers emphasize the change as a health strategy, not just taxation.
• Revenue will support health insurance and facility enhancement initiatives.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Balita 2025-10-01