Youth advocates call for higher alcohol taxes amid rising death toll

MANILA — Nearly a hundred youth advocates gathered Tuesday at the Boy Scout Circle in Quezon City for a Halloween-themed creative action calling for higher alcohol taxes amid rising alcohol-related deaths among Filipinos.

The event, titled “So Cheap, So Deadly: Reduce Alcohol’s Reach,” featured tombstone installations symbolizing lives lost to alcohol to underscore the toll of excessive drinking.

From mental health struggles and community violence to fatal road crashes, the youth-led protest highlighted the many ways alcohol continues to harm young lives.

“Nakakakilabot na araw-araw, may namamatay na 47 na mga Pinoy dahil sa alcohol,” said Gwyneth Barra of UP Economics Towards Consciousness and the Sin Tax Coalition.

“Ang ating mga ate, kuya, at kahit mga bunsong kapatid ang nagiging casualty sa sobrang cheap at accessible ng alcohol,” Barra added.

Advocates warned that the number of Filipino teenagers who drink has doubled in just two years, citing the affordability and ease of access to alcohol.

Doctors present at the action backed the call for reform, calling the widespread accessibility of alcohol among minors a growing health emergency.

“Kada taon, mahigit 17,000 Filipinos ang namamatay dahil sa alak,” said Dr. Allandale Nacino of the Philippine Addiction Specialists Society.

“Think about this: Pagdating mo ng sementeryo ngayong undas, may nadadagdag na dalawang puntod kada oras, at mga kabataan ang ilan sa mga ito,” Nacino added.

“The medical community is urging action. We must protect the youth and the future generation.”

Global evidence has shown that increasing alcohol taxes reduces harmful consumption, delays youth initiation, and funds essential health services.

In the Philippines, however, alcohol excise taxes remain low even as alcohol-related diseases continue to be among the leading causes of preventable death.

“Alcohol misuse remains a serious public-health issue that disproportionately affects young Filipinos,” said Rep. Tony Roman of Bataan, 1st District.

“Raising alcohol taxes is a practical and proven approach — it helps reduce harmful consumption, discourages early drinking, and provides much-needed funds to strengthen our health system,” Roman said.

“These reforms are about prevention, not punishment, and ensuring that our youth grow up in a healthier environment,” he added.

According to data from Action for Economic Reforms (AER), stronger alcohol taxes could generate tens of billions in new health revenue, which could expand hospitals and support preventive care.

The event was supported by AER and members of the Sin Tax Coalition, which advocates for public health through stronger taxes on harmful products like alcohol and tobacco.