Agri chief opposes 2-tier excise tax on cigarettes

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol vehemently opposed the legislation imposing a huge increase in cigarette excise tax, saying the two-tier scheme would only bring hardship to tobacco farmers who are still reeling from the previous tax hike.

“The DA (Department of Agriculture) supports the position of the tobacco farmers,” Piñol said, saying he will direct the National Tobacco Administration to explain why it is taking a position contrary to stakeholders’ stand on the matter.