A lawmaker has filed a measure that seeks to impose a 10 percent tax on all flavored or colored syrups being used in the manufacture of softdrinks.

Rep. Danilo Suarez (3rd District, Quezon) said the main purpose of House Bill 595 is to discourage inclusion of softdrinks in the Filipino diet, which he believes will help avoid some of the health problems that frequent soda drinking bring.

"Although softdrinks have been part of the Philippine landscape for decades, they... [can] make no nutritional claims, [and are] often alleged to cause some health problems," Suarez said.

Suarez said the bill provides that "Flavored or Coloured Syrup shall be levied, assessed and collected a 10 percent Ad Valorem Tax on flavored or coloured syrups exclusively used i8n manufacturing softdrinks based on the manufacturer's selling price or the total value of importation used by the Bureau of Customs in determining tariff and customs duty including customs duty and all other charges, net valued- added tax."

These syrups distinguish the types of softdrinks being marketed. For cola flavor, the industry has grown to include additional flavors like orange, lime, lemon, grape, and rootbeer, among others.

"With the wide array of flavors used in softdrinks, more people drink them rather than drink fruit juices despite the fact that it makes no nutritional claims. It is also a fact that softdrinks cost less than natural juices," Suarez added.