BAT supports review of proposed 2-tier tax system

CIGARETTE maker British American Tobacco said it supports the Department of Finance’s (DOF) call for the Congressional Oversight Committee to do a full review of Republic Act 10351 or the Sin Tax Law of 2012 before the law is amended.

“We were the sole tobacco company to support the sin-tax law of 2012 which not only leveled the playing field yet allowed the Philippines government to pursue its revenue and public health goals. At the time of deliberations, we were consistently supportive of either a single tier or two tiered system. Both have a successful pedigree around the world. Our position has not shifted. If the Philippines government judges a two-tier system is appropriate to extend we have no issue with this,” James Michael Lafferty, BAT general manager, said.