Health advocates in the Philippines have launched the “Sinasaktan ng Alak ang Pamilya” campaign, calling for higher alcohol taxes and stronger enforcement of existing regulations. Led by the Sin Tax Coalition, the campaign was presented at a media launch in Manila on April 24, where advocates, medical professionals, lawmakers, and affected Filipinos shared data and personal stories about the impact of alcohol harm on families and communities.

The campaign argues that alcohol harm continues not only because of individual choices, but because alcohol remains widely available, affordable, and strongly normalized in everyday life. Rep. Nat Oducado of 1Tahanan Partylist, who filed House Bill 3887 to increase alcohol taxes, said stronger policies are needed if the country wants to protect Filipino families. According to the campaign, the proposal could generate around P200 billion in additional revenue over six years, which advocates say could help fund health and social services.

Health professionals at the launch warned that alcohol is linked to a wide range of diseases and injuries, placing pressure on families and the healthcare system. Campaign speakers referred to estimates that around 47 Filipinos die each day from alcohol-related causes. The launch also included personal testimony, including from Romeo Tanchoco, a two-time stroke survivor, who spoke about how alcohol had contributed to his health problems. Advocates also highlighted the broader social harm, noting that many Filipinos know someone who has been harmed by alcohol, with community violence among the most common examples.

For the Sin Tax Coalition, the message of the campaign is that alcohol harm is not limited to the person drinking. It reaches children, partners, households, and whole communities. The campaign calls on the national government to raise alcohol taxes, improve enforcement, and treat alcohol harm as a serious public health and family welfare issue. As Paul Roset of the Sin Tax Coalition put it, alcohol may often seem cheap and easy to access, but the real cost is paid in health, safety, and the future of Filipino families.

Find more from Sin Tax Coalition (Philippines, April 2026)