of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao has commended lawmakers for passing a measure that considers the plight of tobacco farmers. “Many of our followers are lowly tobacco farmers whose only source of livelihood is dependent on the crop,” Utleg said. Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas also praised the bill for its versatility in tackling multiple issues, particularly in being pro-health, pro-poor and pro-local tobacco farmers as he seconded his predecessor’s statements. Cagayan Archbishop Emeritus Diosdado Talamayan also supported lawmakers on the bill since it helps Filipino tobacco farmers with their livelihood. Based on Department of Finance data, portions of massive revenues generated by the sin tax law are earmarked for both public healthcare and welfare of tobacco farmers.

Source: Manila Times January 13, 2017 12:40 UTC