The Department of Finance’s (DOF) proposal to introduce taxes on junk food has not yet received support from any lawmakers, according to Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. As of late Friday, there is no sponsor for the measure in either chamber of Congress.
Finance Undersecretary Karlo Adriano echoed this sentiment, stating that no bill has been filed in the House of Representatives or the Senate.
In June, Diokno announced the DOF’s intention to pursue a tax of ₱10 per 100 grams or ₱10 per 100 milliliters on pre-packaged foods that lack nutritional value. This would include items like confectioneries, snacks, desserts, and frozen treats that exceed specified thresholds for fat, salt, and sugar content set by the Department of Health (DOH).
However, Diokno stated that the proposal is currently on hold. Instead, the DOF will focus on supporting bills that have a higher likelihood of being passed, such as those related to single-use plastics and digital payments.
Additionally, Diokno mentioned that the DOF will advocate for a mining tax, viewing it as a potential source of economic growth. He expressed the need for clarity on the direction of mining tax policy to attract new companies to the industry.
For now, the fate of the DOF’s proposed junk food taxes remains uncertain as they await sponsorship and support from lawmakers.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 2, 2023
