MANILA – A group of tobacco growers on Wednesday described as “worrisome,” proposals to further increase cigarette taxes.
Tax increases in the last 5 years have displaced farmers and paved the way for the entry of counterfeit cigarettes, the PhilTobacco Growers Association Inc said in a statement.
“These cigarette prices have contributed to the spike in inflation to all-time highs. Our families are barely coping,” the group said.
Budget secretary Benjamin Diokno on Wednesday said raising taxes on tobacco and alcohol products is a “priority” for government and President Rodrigo Duterte will likely certify legislation on it as “urgent.” (ABS-CBN News)
