DoF, DTI have right idea on ‘sin’ products ban

THE Department of Finance (DoF) earlier this week announced that it was seeking to prohibit the sale of so-called “sin” products — alcoholic beverages and tobacco products — through online means, a decision that is sure to be unpopular among much of the public, but is nevertheless eminently sensible. In putting in its two cents’ worth, however, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has offered an even more reasonable solution.

It is important for the government to be as supportive as possible of online commerce, both for the management of the coronavirus pandemic and for the country’s economic recovery. Alcohol and tobacco products are also a significant source of government tax revenue, and while the government does not necessarily want to encourage their sale and use for reasons of public health, it likewise should not want to cut off an income stream at a time when its finances are severely constrained. Be that as it may, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd’s view that online sales of these products can lead to problems that may make them more trouble than they are worth is reasonable.