Bill exempting mental health medications from VAT filed in Senate

A bill seeking to exempt drugs and medicines prescribed for mental health conditions from value-added tax has been filed in the Senate.

Senate Bill 78, filed by Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., will amend Section 109 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 to include in the exemption drugs and medicines for mental health beginning January 1, 2020.

Revilla, in the explanatory note, said the bill aims to make mental healthcare accessible and sustainable for all by lowering the cost of drugs and medicine.

He said the passage of Republic Act 11036 or Mental Health Act in 2018 made health services more accessible but did not cover the cost of drugs and medicines prescribed to sustain the treatment and prevention of mental health conditions.

Under the bill, within 30 days from effectivity of the Act, the Finance secretary shall, upon the recommendation of the Commission of Internal Revenue, promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for its effective implementation. — BM, GMA News