Low prices despite Philippines’ sin tax

Despite the introduction of the “sin tax law” last year, the prices of cigarettes in the Philippines continue to rank among the lowest in the world, according to a story in the Sun Star quoting the results of a study.

The so-called sin tax law (Republic Act 10351) was introduced in January 2013.

At US$0.58 a pack, popular cigarette brands in Cambodia and the Philippines had the lowest prices in the world, said the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), citing a recent study by the World Health Organization’s regional office for the Western Pacific.

The WHO and SEATCA said that imposing higher taxes on tobacco products was among the most cost-effective means of reducing tobacco use and the consequent damage to health and economic development.

Nevertheless, SEATCA recognized the efforts of the Philippines in making cigarettes more inaccessible in the country with the passage of Republic Act 10351.