Manila, Philippines — Supporters of the Talino at Galing ng Pinoy (TGP) Partylist rallied behind their bid for a third consecutive term in Congress, emphasizing their commitment to the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on medicines.
As House Deputy Majority Leader and TGP Partylist Representative Jose Bong Teves Jr. officially filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for the 2025 Midterm Elections, he reiterated his push to eliminate VAT on all medications, making healthcare more affordable for Filipinos.
During his filing on the fifth day of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) COC period, Teves stressed the importance of lowering the cost of medicines in the Philippines, noting that the country ranks third in Asia for having the most expensive medicines.
In August, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 93-2024, which removed VAT from 15 medicines for cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illness.
However, Teves emphasized the need for VAT exemption on all medicines to further ease the financial burden on Filipinos.
TGP has already filed House Bill No. 8565, a measure advocating for the removal of VAT on all generic and branded medicines.
Teves was warmly welcomed by his supporters from TGP, along with fellow members of the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity, who expressed their backing for his candidacy in an interview with EUROTV News.
Aside from healthcare, TGP’s advocacy also focuses on environmental protection, disaster preparedness, and assisting marginalized sectors in society.