Senator Pia Cayetano continues to lead the fight for youth health and welfare through her landmark legislation on sin taxes and mental health. As a staunch advocate for public health, she has spearheaded critical reforms aimed at protecting young Filipinos from harmful substances while ensuring access to mental health services.
Strengthening Sin Tax Laws to Protect the Youth
Senator Pia Cayetano played a pivotal role in the passage of the Sin Tax Reform Act of 2012 (RA 10351) and the Sin Tax Reform Act of 2020 (RA 11476), which significantly increased excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and new sin products such as vapes and heated tobacco products. These measures not only curbed access to harmful substances but also ensured that a substantial portion of the revenues were allocated for health programs.
Recognizing the dangers of vaping among young Filipinos, Senator Pia championed key protective provisions under the 2020 Sin Tax Law, including raising the minimum age of access to 21 years old, restricting vape flavors to plain tobacco and menthol, and assigning regulatory powers to the Food and Drug Administration. However, these provisions were overturned by the Vape Law, which lowered the minimum age of access to 18, removed flavor restrictions, and transferred regulatory authority to the Department of Trade and Industry. In response, Senator Pia remains relentless in her advocacy, filing new bills to reinstate these safeguards and further increase the age of access to tobacco products to 21.
Pushing for Mental Health Awareness and Services
Beyond her efforts in sin taxes, Senator Pia is also the principal author of the Mental Health Act (RA 11036), a groundbreaking law that institutionalized comprehensive mental health services within the country’s healthcare system. The law ensures that mental health care is available from regional and provincial hospitals down to the barangay level, making services more accessible to Filipinos in need.
The law protects the rights and welfare of individuals with mental health needs, mandates mental health services in hospitals and communities nationwide, and promotes mental health education in schools and workplaces to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
Continuing the Fight for Youth Welfare
Despite the challenges, Senator Pia remains committed to pushing for policies that safeguard the health and future of young Filipinos. Whether it is through stricter regulations on harmful products or expanding mental health services, she continues to champion the well-being of the next generation.
“As a legislator, my priority has always been to protect and empower our youth. We must continue to fight for policies that keep them healthy, informed, and supported,” Senator Pia emphasized.
As she seeks reelection, Senator Pia vows to strengthen her commitment to public health, advocating for stronger regulations on harmful substances and improving healthcare accessibility, particularly for the youth. She remains dedicated to ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of background, has access to a healthier and brighter future.#
