Public health expert Dr. Tony Leachon criticized the Department of Health’s (DOH) proposal to expand taxes on unhealthy food items, warning that the measure lacks accountability and transparency in fund use.
He pointed out that despite sin tax revenues, PhilHealth still receives no subsidy and has even lost ₱90 billion when its funds were quietly transferred to the National Treasury.
Leachon argued that in a country plagued by corruption scandals, new taxes without clear reforms would be “unconstitutional” and “unconscionable.”
The DOH, through its Health Executive Agenda for Legislation (HEAL), is pushing for excise taxes on junk food and higher taxes on sugary drinks to curb noncommunicable diseases.
Leachon insisted that before imposing new levies, the DOH and PhilHealth must present concrete plans to increase case rates, reduce premiums, and lower out-of-pocket costs for Filipinos.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 16, 2025
