DOH backs proposed tax hike on junk foods, sweetened beverages

Department of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Saturday expressed his support for the proposed additional taxes on sweetened beverages and junk foods, citing possible health and economic benefits.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Herbosa explained that the proposal may result in less consumption of unhealthy foods.

"Yung epekto 'neto sa health, nagkakaroon ng diabetes, kidney disease, among others. On the health perspective, maganda magkaroon ng tinatawag na excise taxes on those particular products na hindi beneficial sa ating health," said Herbosa.

He also emphasized that the revenue from the excise tax can be used to fund government programs and projects.

"Kung ako tatanungin, sang ayon aka diyan kai may malalakap nanaman na pondo ang ating pamahalaan para malagay sa tinatawag nating social services," Herbosa said.

"Ang napag-usapan namin sa gabinete, meron kaming proyekto para sa hunger at malnutrition, at mukhang diyan kukukunin ng Department of Finance yang gagamiting pondo sa iba't-ibang programa," he added.

The DOH Secretary also cites the excise tax on alcohol and tobacco as an example, which he said yielded positive results.

"Nung undersecretary ako, tumulong ako sa pagbalangkas at pagpasa ng sin tax or excise tax on tobacco and alcohol. Dahil dun sa batas na yun, dumami ang tax collection para magamit sa Universal Health Care," explained Herbosa.

"Dahil dun kumonti din ang naninigarilyo, from 29% to now I think 18%… Ganun din (ang inaasahan sa) problema sa sugar drinks," said the Health Secretary. 

Herbosa, however, admits that there are still other things that should be considered on the planned tax hike for sweetened drinks and junk foods.

"Ang usapan diyan, may debate din sapagkat parang naaalisan ng source yung ating mga kababayan na dun kinukuha yung kanilang energy, sa sugar drink. Pero yun mga junk food at salty food, siyempre dun naman mag lelead sa hypertension, kidney disease, so maganda mag hinay-hinay ang mga kababayan natin diyan," he said. 

The DOH chief also mentioned possible effects on private firms, particularly in the soft drink industry. 

"Ang debate diyan, pag humina yung hanapbuhay ng soft drinks, mawawalan ng empleyo yang mga nagtatrabaho sa industriya. Kaya hinahanap dapat yan ng mga kapalit na produkto na mas healthy gaya ng mga juices for example or some other product na ma-rereplace 'yung production," Herbosa said. 

Department of Finance Secretary Ben Diokno previously provided details of the proposed tax measures.

"Under the proposed tax program, the DOF plans to impose a P10 per 100 grams or P10 per 100 milliliters tax on pre-packaged foods lacking nutritional value, including confectioneries, snacks, desserts, and frozen confectioneries, that exceed the DOH's specified thresholds for fat, salt, and sugar content," said Diokno in a statement.

Diokno said the DOF and the DOH "are jointly pursuing a junk food and sweetened beverage tax as a proactive measure to tackle diabetes, obesity, and non-communicable diseases related to poor diet." —VAL, GMA Integrated News