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?
