THE government must ensure that proposed taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and other food products are developed in consultation with affected sectors, and subjected to a regulatory impact assessment before implementation, Nestlé Philippines senior vice president Joey Uy III told reporters Thursday.
The call comes as the Marcos administration considers higher taxes on certain products to promote healthier lifestyles and offset potential revenue losses from proposed income tax relief measures.
The measures include raising the personal income tax exemption ceiling, and exempting micro and small enterprises from the minimum corporate income tax.
In making decisions, policymakers should examine, for instance, Filipinos’ diets to determine whether the particular food categories contribute significantly to their sugar intake, said Nestlé Philippines nutrition advocacy manager Ivy Sucat.
She noted that the government should also review the impact of previous tax measures and determine whether these have actually improved the country’s nutritional outcomes.
Uy added that policymakers should balance public health objectives with the need to keep food accessible and affordable to consumers.
Nestlé and food industry groups are studying the proposed measures and participating in discussions with the government, Uy said. Industry groups have submitted their views on the proposals.
Uy stressed that Nestlé, as a food and beverage company, does not oppose policies aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles, noting that nutrition, health and wellness have long been central to the company’s business.
“We actually fully support that because that’s part of our DNA ... That is part of us, and our purpose,” he said.
Uy cited the company’s Nestlé Wellness Campus initiative, which promotes healthier eating and more active lifestyles among Filipinos.
