BIR exempts more cancer, diabetes, mental illness medicines from VAT

MANILA, December 25 ------ The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said Monday it was exempting more medicines for cancer, diabetes, and mental illnesses from value-added tax (VAT). In a statement, the BIR said it was exempting cancer medicines Degarelix and Tremelimumab from VAT. Meanwhile, the diabetes medicines now exempted from VAT include Sitagliptin and Linagliptin.

For those struggling with their mental health, Clomipramine Hydrochloride, Chlorpromazine, and Midazolam are now VAT-free. The BIR in January exempted 21 medicnes for cancer, diabates, and hypertension from VAT. It exempted 20 more in March, and another 15 in August. Cancer and diabetes are some of the leading causes of death in the Philippines, where the cost of medicines is often prohibitive for the poor.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com