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Tobacco growers say sin tax hike 'worrisome'

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/news/01/09/cigs.jpg"/><figcaption>Different brands of local cigarettes for sale are pictured along a sidewalk in Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, Philippines May 9, 2017. Erik De Castro, Reuters</figcaption></figure></div>MANILA – A group of tobacco growers on Wednesday described as &quot;worrisome,&quot; proposals to further increase cigarette taxes.Tax increases in the last 5 years have displaced farmers and paved the way for the entry of counterfeit cigarettes, the PhilTobacco Growers Association Inc said in a statement. &quot;These cigarette prices have contributed to the spike in inflation to all time highs. Our families are barely coping,&quot; the group said. Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Wednesday said raising taxes on tobacco and alcohol products is a &quot;priority&quot; for government and President Rodrigo Duterte will likely certify legislation on it as &quot;urgent.&quot;<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/08/19/duterte-approves-higher-tobacco-alcohol-taxes">Duterte approves higher tobacco, alcohol taxes</a></li></ul><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/01/09/19/finance-dept-backs-pacquiao-bill-on-tobacco-tax-hike">Finance dept backs Pacquiao bill on tobacco tax hike</a></li></ul>

The proposed additional excise tax for tobacco was “worrisome” for the local tobacco industry, stakeholders said Wednesday.

The proposed additional excise tax for tobacco was “worrisome” for the local tobacco industry, stakeholders said Wednesday.