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Happiness in a Carbonated Drink

Happiness in a Carbonated Drink

Sofia Urielle C. Riñon

Happiness comes in many forms. You don’t have to do a huge task to spread a little happiness; it can be as simple as a kind word, a smile or just a free Coca-Cola for a friend.

“Share the happiness” is one of the most famous Coca-Cola slogans which have left an impression in the minds of people. We all have to admit that every time there’s a happy or a special occasion, a bottle of ice-cold Coca-Cola product will not be absent. It not just applies to Coca-Cola but it applies to other soda companies as well. Drinking soft drinks is not just limited to special occasions. Every time we feel parched and in need for a cool carbonated drink, we turn to a nice, cool bottle of soda to quench our thirst. It is normally seen in the dinner table, being shared by the family.

You may not admit it but, drinking sodas are already a part of our routine. Although it undeniably has numerous damaging effects on our body, we still enjoy drinking these carbonated drinks.

However, recent news strikes up. Nueva Ecija representative, Estrellita Suansing proposed her House Bill No. 3365 stating that there ought to be additional taxes on soft drinks to curb obesity and other health difficulties brought up by excessive consumption of carbonated drinks.

They are seeking to impose a 10-percent ad valorem tax on soft drinks and other carbonated beverages which gained full support from other sectors as well as some academic experts who are eyeing the move as a pro-health tax measure. Sectors backing up the bill include the Department of Health and Department of Finance.

Suansing added that pursuing the 10-percent ad valorem tax would produce up to P10.5 billion that will serve as rehabilitation funds for calamity victims and for government projects regarding livelihood development and infrastructure. Furthermore, university of the Philippines School of Economics’, Dr. Cielo Magno provided full support on the subject, saying that manufacturing more soft drinks would ensue in the reduction of the country’s water resources given that every half liter would require 150 to 300 liters of water.

Although, there are some who do not support Suansing’s bill. Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines (BIAP) representative, Adel Tamano said that additional taxes will not solve obesity among Filipinos. After all soft drinks are not the only contributors to obesity and diabetes. If they were to impose taxes on carbonated beverages, they might as well do the same to other junk foods such as chips and sweets since they cause obesity as much as, if not more than soft drinks do. Soft drinks account for only 10 percent of caloric intake.

Tamano added that Suansing’s proposal will have a negative effect on the country’s economy. Think of the 25,000 people working in the beverage industry and 1.2 million micro-enterpreneurs. They will certainly be affected in its implementation.

Passing the bill will not lead to the reduction of obesity and diabetes. In fact, passing the bill will only make people want more of these carbonated beverages since it makes soft drinks more expensive and thus, luxurious. In their mind, people who afford having the luxury of buying these carbonated drinks will look classy and well off. Hence, they will buy more soft drinks, wearing off the bill’s purpose of reducing obesity.

Even if they impose bills on soft drinks, they can never take away the Filipino’s love for it. All happy occasions have them. It helps in spreading smiles and opening happiness every day all across the world. Drinking sodas is already a part of our daily habit. Taxes or no taxes, we will still buy it. Besides, what’s a hot day without a cool, refreshing carbonated drink to replenish your senses?