Illustration by: Virgilio Biagtan
Senator Pia Cayetano’s steadfast advocacy for health funding through sin taxes is a testament to the critical role policy plays in sustaining healthcare systems. Speaking at a breast cancer awareness event, the senator highlighted the significance of sin taxes in funding vital health programs, including initiatives for cancer care. This approach underscores the importance of aligning fiscal policies with public health objectives to address the growing burden of diseases like cancer in the Philippines.
Sin taxes, particularly on tobacco and alcohol, serve a dual purpose. They discourage consumption of harmful products while generating much-needed revenue for health programs. Senator Cayetano, who championed the Sin Tax Reform Law, emphasized how these taxes have been instrumental in funding the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. This linkage ensures that revenues are not only collected but also directed toward life-saving initiatives,