Philippine Cigarette Prices to Remain Competitive Despite Sin Tax: Official

Source from:  philstar.com 11/15/2012

Cigarette prices in the country would remain competitive despite an increase in the excise tax on tobacco products, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said today.
 
"The price of cigarettes in the Philippines would still be among the lowest in the region even if prices are increased under the proposed sin tax measure," said Lacierda.
 
He said the lowest-priced brand is sold at P15. With the sin tax increase, this will go up to P26 pesos.
 
Lacierda said this is lower than the same cigarette sold in Thailand at P72 pesos and in Indonesia at P48.50 pesos.
 
He also said moves to increase excise tax on tobacco products are consistent with the recommendation of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) of which the Philippines is a signatory.
 
The FCTC had recommended an excise tax on tobacco products of at least 70 percent of the cigarette price.