New survey data from the Philippines government illustrate the alcohol harm in the country. But in a landmark move, the government increased taxes on alcohol and tobacco in order to invest the revenues into achieving health for all and universal health coverage.
Health has become an important aspect in everyone’s lives due to the ongoing pandemic. And governments who commit to protect people’s health emerge as role models for the whole world.
In the Philippines, people’s health is being threatened from harm caused by the products and practices of the alcohol industry. The department of health conducted a mobile phone survey to assess the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). A total of 3,087 adults took part in the survey in January 2021.
The survey found that alcohol harm was high among Filipinos:
- Four in 10 Filipino adults (40.1%) reported past 30 day alcohol use.
- Men used more alcohol than women (51.5% vs. 28.9%).
- One in three Filipinos (33.1%) reported high-risk and heavy alcohol use with consuming six or more alcoholic beverages in one sitting.
- Again men engaged in greater numbers in binge alcohol consumption than women (43. 2% vs. 22.9%).
As Movendi International previously reported, the Philippines government estimates a cost of P200 billion (about $4 billion) caused by alcohol harm annually.
In a landmark move the President planned to raise alcohol and tobacco taxes to partly fund universal health coverage (UHC) in the country. After many obstacles posed by the Big Alcohol lobby, the tax increases for alcohol and tobacco were finally approved in December 2019.
1 in 3
Filipinos report binge alcohol use in the past month
One in three Filipinos (33.1%) reported heavy episodic alcohol use with consuming six or more alcoholic beverages in one sitting.
P200 Billion
Annual costs of alcohol harm
The Philippines government estimated in 2019, that alcohol caused harm that cost of P200 billion (about $4 billion) every year.
The laws which support universal health coverage (UHC) in the Philippines
Three laws that came into force recently aim to increase taxes on health harmful substances and fund the UHC program in Philippines.
- TheUniversal Health Care (UHC) Actpassed in 2019 and provides for enrolling of allFilipinos in the National Health Insurance Program and requires a more robust system of primary-care providers.
- TheTobacco Tax Law 2019 raised the cigarette tax to P45 in 2020with an annual increase of P5.00 until it reaches P60.00 per pack ($1.30) in 2023, and a 5% annual increase thereafter.
- The Republic Act 11467raised excise taxes on alcohol and the newly added e-cigarettes.
The government estimates to raise P25 billion (about $500 million) from alcohol and e-cigarette taxes and P16 billion (about USD 320 million) from tobacco taxes. The tax revenues will accelerate the UHC goal of the country. Health for all is within reach, thanks to alcohol and tobacco taxation.
P25 billion
Revenue thanks to increased alcohol and e-cigarette taxes
The government estimates to raise P25 billion (about $500 million) from alcohol and e-cigarette taxes to boost universal health coverage.
Sources
philstar Global: “40% of Pinoys drink, 15% smoke – DOH survey“
P4H: “For Universal Healthcare, the Philippines Tries “Sin Taxes”“
FAQs
In 2021, Department of Health survey showed that an estimated 40 percent of Filipino adults reported drinking alcohol in the previous month (up from 38 percent in 2019) including 33 percent who engaged in heavy drinking sessions (up from 12 percent in 2016).
What is the survey of underage drinking in the Philippines? ›
Results. A total of 2,930 students participated, 46.1% from public schools and 58.9% were female. Of the total students, 81.6% had drank an alcoholic drink in their lifetime; and 15.6% drank beer, 22.5% drank wine and 11.4% drank distilled spirits before they were 13 years old.
What are the international statistics for alcohol? ›
In 2019, alcohol use was the leading risk factor for attributable burden of disease among people ages 25 to 49, the second-leading risk factor among ages 10 to 24, and the ninth-leading risk factor among all ages. In 2019, alcohol use accounted for 2.07 million deaths of males and 374,000 deaths of females, globally.
Is alcohol allowed in the Philippines? ›
Duty-Free entry of personal effects by incoming travelers
Other duty-free items are wine and spirits not exceeding two bottles, tobacco and cigarettes not exceeding 200 sticks, cosmetics and perfumery not exceeding one bottle.
What is the government warning for alcohol in the Philippines? ›
3 GOVERNMENT WARNING: Alcohol is a drug and may be addictive. 4 GOVERNMENT WARNING: Drive sober. If you don't, you could lose your 5 driver's license or even your life. Alcohol impairs your ability to drive a car or 6 operate machinery.
What is the alcohol limit in the Philippines? ›
Philippines: The Republic Act 10586 or the "Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013" indicates that blood alcohol content (BAH) should be 0.05% for non-professional drivers and 0.01% for motorcycle riders and professional drivers.
What is the Philippines ranked in alcohol consumption? ›
Alcohol consumption per capita
| Rank | Country | Date of Information |
|---|
| 84 | Philippines | 2019 est. |
| 85 | Cuba | 2019 est. |
| 86 | Cabo Verde | 2019 est. |
| 87 | Cambodia | 2019 est. |
115 more rowsUnder the law, it is unlawful for any person to drink alcoholic liquor and other intoxicating beverages in public plazas, parks, roads, sidewalks and alleys of the city and its barangays except on official functions or occasions duly authorized, sanctioned or approved by the barangay council concerned or the City ...
What is the Republic Act about alcohol in the Philippines? ›
10586 which makes it illegal for anyone to drink and drive or take drugs and drive. The law also imposes appropriate apprehension procedures and penalties.
What is the #1 country for alcoholism? ›
Russia and Australia have the highest prevalence of alcoholism dependence overall, with 2.61 per cent and 2.58 per cent, respectively. According to the World Health Organization, US has the lowest rate of alcohol dependence with only 1.93 per cent.
But Belarus not only consumes the greatest amount of alcohol per capita: it's also among the countries with the most years of life lost due to annual alcohol consumption. It's also classified as having one of the riskiest patterns of drinking — such as days-long binge drinking — compared to other countries.
What does alcohol do to your brain? ›
Alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways and can affect the way the brain looks and works. Alcohol makes it harder for the brain areas controlling balance, memory, speech, and judgment to do their jobs, resulting in a higher likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes.
What should I avoid in the Philippines? ›
Gangs often drug tourists before robbing or assaulting them. Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams are common. Don't leave food or drinks unattended. Avoid using public transport.
How much alcohol can I bring to USA from Philippines? ›
Federal and state regulations allow you to bring back one liter of an alcoholic beverage for personal use duty-free. However, states may allow you to bring back more than one liter, but you will have to pay any applicable Customs duty and IRT.
What is the main alcohol in the Philippines? ›
Beer: Beer is a staple in the Philippines and has become an iconic representation of Filipino culture. This pale lager, with its smooth and crisp flavor, is enjoyed by beer enthusiasts across the country. It is often the drink of choice during social gatherings, celebrations, and even casual nights out with friends.
What is the alcohol trend in the Philippines? ›
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the consumption of alcoholic drinks in Philippines is dominated by spirits (72%), followed by beer (27.3%) and wine (0.4%). Despite overall decreased retail sales over 2018 to 2022, standard priced alcoholic beverages showed sustained resilience and popularity.
Is it OK to drink in public in Philippines? ›
However, a national order has been passed prohibiting drinking in public places. But in most provinces and rural areas, this is still being practiced, and expect to be invited for a shot or two by the locals. It's considered an insult to refuse — unless you say you are allergic to alcohol.
What is the death rate of alcoholism in the Philippines? ›
Philippines: Alcohol
According to the latest WHO data published in 2020 Alcohol Deaths in Philippines reached 401 or 0.06% of total deaths. The age adjusted Death Rate is 0.45 per 100,000 of population ranks Philippines #144 in the world.
