Higher ''Sin'' Taxes Drive Pinoys to Switch Brands, Quit Smoking

Source from:  GMA News  06/23/2014

A study by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed that 45 percent of smokers have shifted to a cheaper brand since the implementation of the controversial Sin Tax Reform Law.

Smoking among the poorest in the country also went down to 25 percent in March 2014 from 38 percent in December 2012. These smokers belong to Class E or those who earn around P62,000 a year, SWS said.

Young Pinoys have also started to give up the habit, SWS said, with only 18 percent of smokers coming from the 18-24 age range, a dip from December 2012's 35 percent coming from that age group.

In total, 26 percent of respondents admitted to being smokers, down from 29 percent in September 2012.

Meanwhile, about half or 53 percent of respondents perceived that the main purpose of the Sin Tax Law is to reduce the number of people who smoke.

Additionally, the study found that a majority, or 66 percent, of Filipinos agree that current prices of cigarettes should be further increased.

Pinoys surveyed also said stopping the 'tingi' culture that Pinoys have when buying cigarettes could also be a way to curb smoking in the country, with 63 percent saying that banning the sale of cigarettes per stick would help drive down the number of people who smoke.

The Sin Tax Reform Law or Republic Act 10351 slapped higher excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol products starting Jan. 1, 2013.

The government raked in P33.96 billion in additional revenues during the first year of implementation of the Sin Tax Reform Law, with most of the money going to Universal Health Care programs.

The report, results of which were posted on SWS's website, was the culmination of a study conducted from March 27 to 30, 2014. The survey had a total of 1,200 respondents, with 300 respondents each from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

"The First Quarter 2014 Social Weather Survey items on smoking are commissioned by the Department of Health, and released as a public service," the report said. Enditem