210 House vote approves on 3rd reading sin tax bill

After 16 years with a vote of 210 in favor of the sin tax bill, 21 against, and five abstentions, the House passed the controversial bill Wednesday June 7,2012 the last day of its second regular session.MANILA, Philippines.  The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading House Bill 5727 sin tax bill, which would raise taxes of tobacco and alcohol products.

Primarily sponsored by Davao City Representative Isidro Ungab, the measure eyes to raise at least P33 billion in revenues annually.

Implementing the new sin tax will increase the price of alcohol and cigarette up to more than 90%.

The purpose is to increase the health fund of the government and to discourage people to buy cigarette and alcohol  before buying their basic needs.