The move of the Senate to pass the Sin Tax Bill is a vital step forward in improving and expanding public health safety nets for all Filipinos, a Palace official said on Wednesday.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued the statement during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday after the Senate passed the Sin Tax Bill, which was certified as urgent by the President Tuesday night.
“This complements the Aquino administration’s relentless pursuit of universal health care which underscores the belief that healthcare should be a right and not a privilege in our country,” Lacierda said.
“We commend the unshakable commitment of Senator Franklin Drilon who steered this important piece of legislation through this long, drawn out process, and all the senators who voted for the measure,” he stressed.
The Aquino government also thanked the countless advocates in government and civil society for pursuing this urgent reform.
“Recognizing and advancing the protection of public health is a commitment present in the Aquino administration’s social contract with the Filipino people. This goes beyond government, however, and begets the responsibility of all citizens to contribute to this cause,” Lacierda said.
The Sin Tax Bill aims to generate government revenues in a bid to strengthen the country’s health care system.
(www.pcoo.gov.ph)
