MANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan bloc on Monday filed House Bill 9564 aiming to exempt essential medicines from value-added tax (VAT).
Aside from essential drugs and medicines, those with compassionate special permit or emergency use authorization, and those needed in a public health emergency, likewise covered by the bill were nutritional food and drinks or food and drinks which have micronutrients and "were formulated to meet the diet of individuals who suffer from poor digestion, malnutrition, obesity, renal problems, and illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, cancer and other similar cases."
The bloc is composed of ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Women's Party Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co.
