Antismoking groups join call for probe of sin tax violators

MANILA, Philippines–Antismoking advocates who championed the enactment of a law increasing taxes on “sin products” have joined the call for a congressional investigation of cigarette maker Mighty Corporation for alleged tax violations.

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP), the New Vois Association of the Philippines and the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) said there is a need for an investigation on how tobacco companies are adhering to Republic Act No. 10351 or the Sin Tax Law to ensure that the law that took almost a decade to pass would not become inutile.

“There should be a congressional probe of sin tax malpractices and illicit trade (not just of Mighty) but of all tobacco companies,” FCAP Executive Director Maricar Limpin said in a press statement.

She said it is a dangerous precedent to allow violations of existing tax laws as it invalidates the purpose of the measure. She explained that failure to comply with the sin tax law means that cigarettes would remain affordable to children and the poor.

PCP President Tony Leachon also welcomed the sin tax review, especially to assess its health and revenue impact. “But a review has just been done and it will be redundant to have another review this soon,” he said.