[A previlege speech delivered at the special session of the Provincial Board of Iloilo on 6 June 1990 by Board Member Demy P. Sonza]

Mrs. Chairman, let me begin declaring that I do not smoke, neither do I drink alcoholic beverages. I consider smoking and drinking as vices. Yet, this afternoon, I rise to oppose the bill, now pending before the Senate, that will impose additional cigarette, beer and liquor.

The bill in question is a pet tax measure of Malaca[ñ]ang and has been certified as urgent by the president. If enacted, the measure will increase the ad valorem tax on liquor and tabacco products from 37% to 60%. This is expected to raise at least P4.4 billion a year to help meet the government deficit which, for 1990, is estimated at P55 billion.

Sonza, Demy. (1990, June 18). I protest against the "sin" taxes. Panay News, 2,14.