A party-list lawmaker on Thursday urged the leadership of the House of Representatives not to pass a measure imposing excise tax on salty products.

Party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate of Bayan Muna said the lower chamber should not allow this “anti-poor” bill to be passed.

“This bill is definitely anti-poor and must be opposed,” Zarate said.

“The passage of this measure would greatly affect the purchasing power of lower-income groups and the poor, who buy noodles and canned sardines,” the lawmaker said.

If the measure is enacted, Zarate, citing the computation of the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers Inc., said the price of P6.85 noodle pack would jump to P8.

Last year Nationalist People’s Coalition Rep. Scott Davies S. Lanete of Masbate filed House Bill 3719. The measure is pending before the House Committee on Ways and Means.

He said it is high time for the Philippines to adopt strict measures in ensuring the safety and well-being of Filipinos and imposing a tax on the production, sale and consumption more than the prescribed daily intake but will also generate additional funds for the government.

In the measure, Lanete seeks to amend Republic Act 8424 by inserting new provision which states on the manufactured goods that have sodium chloride, or any of its derivatives, as an ingredient and which included, but are not limited, to canned goods, processed food and junk food, a tax of P1 shall be levied on every milligram of sodium in excess of one- third of the allowable daily intake of sodium chloride as prescribed by the Department of Health.

“Nowadays, salt has acquired a new image. It is now treated as a silent killer, as its consumption has a correlation with high blood pressure, which consequently leads to increased risks of having a heart attack and stroke,” he added. Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

Lanete said a significant number of countries have already imposed “sin” taxes on salt to deter people from consuming it.

Among the countries that impose heavy taxes on salt are Vietnam, Uganda, Tanzania, Suriname, Sri Lanka, Panama, Morocco, Kenya, Jordan and Cambodia.