The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added five more anti-cancer medicines to the List of Value-Added Tax (VAT) Exempt Drugs and Medicines, according to Advisory 2026-0596 released on May 14, 2026. This move is part of the Philippine government's ongoing efforts to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.
Newly Included Anti-Cancer Drugs
The following cancer medications are now VAT-free:
- Human Papillomavirus Vaccine [Types 16 and 18] (Recombinant, Adjuvanted, Absorbed)
- Vinorelbine (as tartrate)
- Docetaxel
- Carboplatin
- Paclitaxel
Other Medicines Added to VAT-Exempt List
In addition to the cancer drugs, four other medicines for various conditions have been exempted from VAT:
- Tirzepatide (for diabetes)
- Verapamil Hydrochloride (for hypertension)
- Eicosapentaenoic Acid + Docosahexaenoic Acid (for high cholesterol)
- Rifapentine + Isoniazid (for tuberculosis)
The FDA stated, "In line with Philippine government’s continuing efforts to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare, the FDA issues this Advisory to inform the public of the latest updates on the List of VAT-Exempt Drugs and Medicines."
Legal Basis
Under the Create Law, VAT exemption is granted to drugs and medicines for cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, kidney diseases, mental illness, and tuberculosis. The FDA is mandated to identify and transmit the official list of VAT-exempt drugs to implementing agencies, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, and Department of Trade and Industry.
