MANILA, Philippines – Health professionals and advocates want candidates in the May 2025 elections to prioritize pro-health platforms in their legislative agendas, citing the “devastating” effects of vaping, tobacco, and alcohol on Filipino youth.
“Let us be clear: this is a full-blown epidemic that demands immediate action from our leaders. We are calling on candidates to stand with our parents and youth now so our children don’t have to inherit a future of early, preventable deaths and illnesses,” said Dr. Hector Santos, president of the Philippine Medical Association, in a statement.
According to the Sin Tax Coalition, smoking and alcohol consumption have become more prevalent among the youth, particularly the poorest in society who “already lack access to healthcare and suffer poor health outcomes.”
The coalition said there were 89,000 tobacco-related deaths in the Philippines in 2023. The country’s first vape-related death was also recorded in 2024.
In recent years, the number of people who vape in the country ballooned. Dr. Corry Avanceña of the Philippine Academy of Pediatric Pulmonologists said there were 423,185 vapers in 2023 — far from the 37,530 logged in 2021.
Vape shops have become more accessible — even online — and some shops operate 24/7.
Meanwhile, alcohol consumption causes at least 27,000 deaths in the country each year, the Sin Tax Coalition said.
Dr. Riz Gonzalez of the Philippine Pediatric Society noted that the youth in particular are “prone to highly episodic drinking.”
“Science has told us…any amount of alcohol makes them at risk of unsafe driving [and] early toxic effects of alcohol in their developing brain and body,” she said. “Beyond illnesses, children are also victims of road crashes, domestic violence cases that are worsened by alcohol consumption.”
Gonzalez added that children are increasing their risk for noncommunicable diseases as well.
Appeal to candidates
The advocates see the upcoming polls as an opportunity to strengthen health-related laws. A Social Weather Stations survey released last Friday, February 28, showed that 90% of voters would consider candidates who advocate for the “strengthening of the healthcare system.”
The Sin Tax Coalition is planning to approach each candidate — from those gunning for a senatorial seat to those running as district and party-list representatives — to discuss the effects of smoking and drinking.
“We will make sure we will make the public know who are our pro-health candidates,” Action for Economic Reforms (AER) fiscal policy lead AJ Montesa said during a press briefing on Wednesday, March 5. He is also an economist for the Sin Tax Coalition.
“Pero sa totoo lang, ngayong eleksiyon, marami nang kandidato na mas makikinig pa sa industriya. Mas makikinig sila sa pera ng tobacco industry or alcohol industry,” he added.
(But in truth, during election season, there are many candidates who would rather listen to the industry. Money talks when it comes to the tobacco industry or the alcohol industry.)
Montesa said they plan on campaigning against candidates who support House Bill No. 11360, which seeks to lower taxes imposed on tobacco, heated tobacco, and vapor products to cut down illicit trade and boost government revenues. The health advocates argue that this bill would also make cigarettes cheaper and more accessible.
Instead of backing lower taxes, the Sin Tax Coalition said candidates should promise to champion higher excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and vape products if they are elected.
The coalition also wants candidates to introduce new policies if they win, such as setting a higher minimum drinking age and putting more restrictions on sales and advertising of products.
Beyond the youth, AER said excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption costs the Philippines P1.055 trillion every year. This already takes into account healthcare costs due to alcohol- and smoking-related diseases, loss in productivity, and the cost of “the loss of a healthy life.” – Rappler.com