MANILA, Philippines – Implementing risk-proportionate taxes on smoke-free nicotine products such as vapes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches can strengthen government revenues, accelerate declines in smoking prevalence, and curb illicit trade by making less harmful alternatives accessible to adult nicotine users and less attractive to smugglers, according to two international economists. “The Philippine government should adopt data-driven taxation policies that strike a balance between fiscal sustainability and public health goals. Find that sweet spot where you have just the right taxation, you discourage as many smokers as possible without losing them to illicit tobacco, and you collect revenues to implement [tobacco […]...Keep on reading: Risk-proportionate taxes on smoke-free alternatives backed to raise revenue, curb illicit trade