The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) on Thursday called on the government to review the proposed excise taxes under the tax reform program.

"There are some parts, especially when it comes to the so-called sugar tax as well as the automotive excise tax, we as representatives of European-Philippine business community feel that the government might consider to look at again and find alternative measures," ECCP President Guenter Taus said during the Food and Beverage For All forum in Parañaque City.

The House of Representatives approved last May House Bill 5636 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN), which embodies the first package of tax reforms proposed by the Duterte administration.

The bill seeks to impose a P10 excise tax per liter of sugar-sweetened beverage, which the government is selling as "health measure."

The bill is now being scrutinized by the Senate.

"To be more specific, we are actually concerned that these proposed measures may not be the best solutions to address issues such as obesity and other health-related concerns, among others," Taus said.

"The planned excise tax will not only have an impact on low-income consumers who widely purchase those beverages but also the different beverage stakeholders," he added.

Source: www.msn.com