MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued a new memo exempting from value-added tax (VAT) certain medicines for cancer, hypertension, and mental illness.

“The VAT exemption of these medicines for cancer, hypertension, and mental illness is a step towards a healthier country. The BIR shares the noble intention behind more affordable medicines for the public,” said BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui.

This is an update to the list of VAT-exempt drugs and medicines of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended by the TRAIN Law and CREATE Act.

– Rappler.com