Philippines President signs law to increase excise tax on tobacco products

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law House Bill number 8677/ Senate Bill number 2233, to increase the excise tax on tobacco products, according to local media reports.

The law will reportedly increase the rates of the tobacco excise from PHP35 to PHP45 per pack and up to PHP60 in 2023. The measure also includes a tax on heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes.

Under the law, 50 percent of all collection from tobacco, heated cigarette, e-cigarette, sweetened beverage, and alcohol will go to Universal Healthcare.