Proposed Tax on High-Sodium Foods Aims to Support Senior Citizens’ Pension
A lawmaker is proposing a new tax on food products with excessive sodium content to help fund additional pension benefits for senior citizens across the country.
Recently, Senior Citizens party-list Representative Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes suggested imposing a tax on food items that exceed the sodium limits set by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The proposal covers products such as instant noodles, canned goods, processed meats, and other processed foods that are commonly found in stores and supermarkets.
According to Ordanes, many processed foods contain high levels of sodium and are regularly consumed by Filipinos because they are affordable, convenient, and easy to prepare. While these products are popular among families, he pointed out that excessive sodium intake may contribute to health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Under the proposal, food products that stay within the sodium limits established by health authorities would not be taxed. However, products that exceed the allowed level would be charged one peso for every milligram of sodium above the prescribed limit.
The tax would only apply to the excess sodium and not to the total amount contained in the product.
The lawmaker believes that the measure could encourage food manufacturers to reduce the salt content of their products. He also supports stricter food labeling requirements so consumers can easily identify products that contain high levels of sodium. It includes making warning labels more visible and easier to read.
Funds collected from the proposed tax would be used to support additional social pension benefits for senior citizens. Ordanes said the revenue could also help strengthen public hospitals, health centers, PhilHealth benefits, nutrition programs, school canteens, and compensation packages for healthcare workers.
The proposal is also linked to a separate measure seeking to provide a monthly social pension of at least P1,000 to all senior citizens, not just those classified as indigent.
“Sa House Bill No. 427 na inihain natin, layunin nating mabigyan ng monthly social pension na hindi bababa sa P1,000 ang LAHAT ng senior citizens, hindi lamang ang indigent. Laging tanong ng mga nag-aalinlangan sa Universal Social Pension: “Saan kukuha ng pera?” Heto ang isang pagkukunan,” Ordanes said.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the proposal:
