MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the government to strengthen the implementation of existing laws and policies against illicit tobacco trade, warning that lowering tobacco taxes would only worsen the country’s health and revenue losses.

Speaking at the launch of a study on illicit tobacco trade conducted by the Action for Economic Reforms (AER) in partnership with Johns Hopkins University and other organizations, Hontiveros said tobacco smuggling continues to thrive at the expense of Filipinos’ health and the country’s healthcare system.

“This study affirms that stricter implementation of existing regulations and stronger policies, not tax cuts, are crucial in combating illicit tobacco trade,” she said. “Lowering taxes, especially at this point when our economy is struggling and government needs revenues, may not be a good idea.”

Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, expressed alarm that smoking prevalence in the country is increasing while excise tax revenues from tobacco products are declining.

“Tobacco smugglers are reaping huge profits at the expense of the health of Filipinos,” she said, adding that the losses from smuggling also translate into lives lost to smoking-related illnesses.

She stressed that the revenue shortfall from excise taxes could have funded anti-smoking campaigns, access to essential medicines, and hospitalization assistance for patients under the Universal Health Care Law.

“These lost revenues bring us farther away from the realization of universal healthcare,” Hontiveros said. “We must remember that this fight is not just about protecting our revenues—it is about protecting our people.”

The senator also vowed to study AER’s policy recommendations to strengthen regulations against illicit tobacco trade and ensure that harmful products are kept out of the market.

“We cannot allow smugglers and the tobacco industry to take back the progress that health advocates and the Filipino people have fought hard for,” she said.