Health advocates and lawmakers called on President Marcos on Thursday to increase sin taxes on alcohol, tobacco and sweetened drinks to address rising health issues among young Filipinos.
The Youth for Health coalition highlighted concerns over stunting, obesity, smoking and alcohol use among the youth during a press briefing in Manila. They pointed to a 2025 survey showing stunting rates among children under five at 25.3 percent, an increase of 1.7 percentage points from 2023. The group also noted that 4.5 percent of adolescents aged 10 to 19 smoke regularly and 22.3 percent drink alcohol.
Coalition member Dale Papa said the government must prove its commitment to the youth through protective laws rather than words alone. University of the Philippines economics professor Cielo Magno added that higher sin taxes would both discourage unhealthy behaviors and generate revenue for programs like PhilHealth.
The coalition asked President Marcos to prioritize House Bills 5966, 5475 and 5476, which propose annual tax increases on distilled spirits and fermented liquors. It also backed measures to raise taxes on sweetened beverages, projecting combined additional revenue of around 286.9 billion pesos over five years.
