Medications for severe ailments no longer subject to Value-Added Tax (VAT).
Fresh Take:
Hey there! Say goodbye to hefty bills for essential medicines! Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto has set the bureaucratic gears in motion, instructing the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to urgently implement the Value-Added Tax (VAT) exemption on a broadened list of life-saving meds for cancer, diabetes, dialysis, hypertension, high cholesterol, and mental health issues. This move is all about making healthcare more attainable and affordable for the Filipino folks.
This rollout aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s vision to advance universal healthcare for every Juan and Juanita. Ralph, a long-time health advocate, has been a driving force behind several groundbreaking laws during his stint in the Senate. He was the genius behind the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (R.A. 10963) and the co-author of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (R.A. 11534). These legislative triumphs paved the way for the expansion of the VAT-free medicine list, significantly lowering out-of-pocket costs for Filipino patients.
On June 4, 2025, the BIR published the new list of medicines that are immune to the 12 percent VAT, based on the expanded list released by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA).
For folks battling cancer, Tegafur+Gimeracil+Oteracil Potassium and Bortezomib, Docetaxel (as trihydrate), Lenvatinib (as mesylate), Lenalidomide, and Paclitaxel can now be had without the added tax strain. Diabetics can breathe easily knowing they can now score Metformin Hydrochloride+Teneligliptin without forking over the VAT. Hypertension patients can now grab Atorvastatin + Fenobribrate and Metoprolol tartrate + Ivabradine without the tax tag, while individuals with high cholesterol can get their hands on Metoprolol tartrate + Ivabradine without breaking the bank. Those Fighting mental illnesses can now enjoy the tax-free medicine Lamotrigine.
This expansion of the VAT-exempt medicine list is proof of the government's relentless efforts to alleviate the financial burden of healthcare for its citizens and foster a healthier, more productive nation. Cheers to easier access to essential medicines and a brighter, healthier future! 🎉 💊 🇵🇭
- The government, under Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, is advocating for more affordable healthcare by urging the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to swiftly implement the Value-Added Tax (VAT) exemption on a broader range of life-saving medications.
- The updates to the VAT-free medicine list support President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s mission for universal healthcare, aiming to make essential medicines accessible and affordable for every Filipino citizen.
- In alignment with the government's efforts, the BIR published on June 4, 2025, a new list of medications immune to the 12% VAT, based on the Food and Drug Authority (FDA)'s expanded list.
- For individuals fighting cancer, medications like Tegafur+Gimeracil+Oteracil Potassium, Bortezomib, Docetaxel, Lenvatinib, Lenalidomide, and Paclitaxel are now VAT-exempt, reducing their financial burden.
- Diabetics can now obtain Metformin Hydrochloride+Teneligliptin without VAT charges, while hypertension patients and those with high cholesterol can acquire Atorvastatin + Fenobribrate, Metoprolol tartrate + Ivabradine, and Metoprolol tartrate + Ivabradine, respectively, without the additional tax strain.
- In an effort to help those battling mental illnesses, Lamotrigine has been added to the list of VAT-free medicines, making mental health treatment more financially viable.
- By alleviating the financial burden of crucial medications and expanding access to essential healthcare, the government is fostering a healthier, more productive nation, demonstrating its commitment to both personal and national well-being.
.){kind=link}