Akbayan Partylist today expressed its gratitude for the partylist group’s inclusion in the Sin Tax Coalition’s “Health Tax Heroes.” Akbayan Partylist First Nominee Atty. Chel Diokno also vowed to ensure that health-reform policies would be one of Akbayan’s priorities if they are given a fresh mandate to serve in Congress.

Akbayan Partylist championed the passage of the Sin Tax Law and is now the main proponent of other health-related measures in Congress such as the Alcohol Sale and Packaging Regulation Bill regulating the packaging and sale of alcoholic products, and the Alcopops Tax Bill which seeks to impose taxes on pre-mixed alcoholic beverages.

“We thank the Sin Tax Coalition for this recognition. From the very beginning, Akbayan Partylist has placed the health of our people at the top of its priorities, ensuring that vital government health programs are properly funded,” Diokno said.

Akbayan Partylist Representative Perci Cendaña, author of the Alcohol Sale and Packaging Regulation Bill and the Alcopops Tax Bill, also expressed the need to push health policies to the front and center of the 2025 elections.

“Health policy should be a top priority in this election. As candidates we must make the issue of health a priority and make clear our position on those issues. Parang health and nutrition labeling lang din yan. Kung concerned nga tayo sa nilalaman ng kinakain o inilalagay natin sa katawan natin, dapat concerned tayo kung anong binibitbit na polisiya ng ating mga susunod na leaders,” Rep. Cendaña said.

Rep. Cendaña expressed confidence that voters will look favorably at Akbayan’s track record in pushing for health policies. “As for Akbayan, I can confidently say the long track record in pushing for pro-health measures from the Reproductive Health Law, to the Cheaper Medicines Act, to the Sin Tax Law speaks for itself.”