IPHO appeals public support to campaign on Sin Tax Bill

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, November 18 (PIA)--The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in Siquijor province is calling for support for the on-going one million signature campaign to support the Sin Tax Bill. 

IPHO Information Officer Pamela Dominguez said that one can participate through signing a form at the office located beside the provincial hospital or through signing online by liking the sin tax bill page on facebook. 

Dominguez, said the approval of this bill will help both the government and the people through the generation of revenues for a universal health care program to improve access to quality health care. 

She cited that based on a study conducted by the World Health Organization, every ten percent in the price of cigarettes results in a seven percent decline in youth smoking, and a four percent decline in overall smoking. 

“Cigarette smoking has only bad effects, there is no compromise as to the amount as the chemicals and hazardous substances pose big health risks to smokers,” Dominguez said. 

Its detrimental effects extend to even non-smokers and the environment itself, she added. 

Dominguez said that the Department of health (DOH) is pushing for a Sin Tax Law to deter people, especially the youth and the poor from smoking as well as drinking alcohol and be protected from a lifetime consequences. (mbcn/RAC/PIA-Siquijor)