# A Cabinet minister yesterday hailed the decision not to give candy and sugary drinks a 50 percent VAT rate cut despite the initial confusion this caused for food store merchants.

SEVERAL medicines for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and mental illness have been exempted from value-added tax (VAT) by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Internal Revenue Commissioner ...

# The VAT rate has dropped from ten percent to five percent for all unprepared food items, including fresh produce, frozen goods, baby food, and snacks. Prepared food in deli sections remains subject ...