Proposed Sugary Drinks Tax Draws Criticism from DJ Chacha
DJ CHACHA – Radio host DJ Chacha has joined the growing online debate over a proposed bill seeking to raise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages.
DJ Chacha, a well-known radio host and social media personality, recently voiced her strong disapproval of a proposed bill that seeks to impose higher taxes on sugary drinks in the Philippines.
The bill, which has been making headlines and sparking heated discussions online, aims to raise excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages. Its proponents argue that the measure would help reduce sugar consumption among Filipinos and generate additional funds for public health initiatives such as PhilHealth, Department of Health (DOH) programs, and nutrition projects under local government units (LGUs).
On Instagram, DJ Chacha shared a viral three-part post where she criticized the timing and intent of the measure. In her first slide, she highlighted the details of the proposal: “May bagong panukala sa Kongreso. Taasan ang buwis sa sweetened beverages mula sa kasalukuyang 6%-12% papuntang 20%-40%, WOW!”
While she acknowledged that the bill is being presented as a health-driven initiative, she raised doubts about lawmakers’ priorities. Chacha argued that ordinary Filipinos are already weighed down by inflation and economic hardships, and adding another tax would further strain household budgets. She also emphasized that issues of corruption and accountability in government projects remain unresolved.
“PANUKALANG DAGDAG BUWIS NA NAMAN kahit pa halos hindi na makakain ng maayos ang maraming Pilipino at nag-uumapaw ang isyu ng korapsyon sa infrastructure projects?” she asked, underscoring how misplaced she believes the lawmakers’ focus to be.
The DJ also expressed frustration over the lack of accountability in government, especially in large-scale infrastructure projects. “WALA PA NGANG NAPAPANAGOT TAPOS GUSTO NIYO MAGTAAS NA NAMAN NG BUWIS?” she added, pointing out that citizens are constantly asked to shoulder additional burdens while systemic problems remain unchecked.
Despite her criticisms, DJ Chacha clarified that she is not against the idea of reducing sugar intake. She recognized the rising prevalence of diabetes in the country but stressed that the government should first fix internal corruption before passing the costs to ordinary people. “Walang masama sa layunin na mabawasan ang sugar consumption, totoo namang ang dami ng may diabetes ngayon. PERO ANG MAS DAPAT BAWASAN AY ANG KUPIT SA KABAN NG BAYAN PARA HINDI NA KAILANGANG DAGDAGAN ANG BUWIS NA TAUMBAYAN ANG NAGPAPASAN!”
Closing her post with a pointed question directed at lawmakers, she asked: “Okay lang po ba yan mga kagalang-galang na mambabatas?” — a statement that resonated with many netizens who share the same frustration.
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