A new study published in Tobacco Induced Diseases finds that raising cigarette taxes and increasing the size of health warning labels could encourage more Filipinos to stop smoking.
Researchers say increasing the price of a cigarette pack from ₱69.46 to ₱90.00—a 23 percent hike—could lead about 5.5 million smokers in the Philippines to consider quitting. The study also found that larger graphic health warnings covering up to 85 percent of cigarette packs make smoking less appealing.
The research supports recommendations from the World Health Organization, which identifies higher tobacco taxes and strong warning labels as among the most effective ways to reduce smoking. These measures are part of global tobacco control standards already adopted by the Philippines.
At present, cigarette taxes account for about 51 percent of retail prices, with annual tax increases mandated under existing law. Current regulations also require graphic warnings covering 50 percent of the front and back of cigarette packs.
Despite a decline in smoking rates—from 27 percent in 2009 to 17.4 percent in 2021—more than 13 million Filipinos still smoke. Tobacco use remains a major public health issue, causing nearly 100,000 deaths each year.
The study surveyed 886 adult smokers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Participants were shown different cigarette pack designs and prices, and many said higher costs and larger warning labels would make them think about quitting.
Health advocates say the findings show that smokers themselves support stronger policies, adding that higher prices and more visible warnings could discourage smoking and improve public health.
