Sugary drinks may not be the only products facing higher taxes under proposals now being discussed by lawmakers and the Department of Finance.

Aside from seeking higher excise taxes on sweetened beverages, the government is also proposing to expand the tax coverage to ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbetes, ice lollies and other edible ices.

Under the current TRAIN Law, beverages using caloric or non-caloric sweeteners are taxed ₱6 per liter, while those containing high-fructose corn syrup are taxed ₱12 per liter.

Several pending measures seek to raise these rates.

One House proposal would increase the ₱6 tax to ₱9 per liter and the ₱12 tax to ₱18 per liter, while another seeks to raise the rate on sweetened beverages to ₱20 per liter. The DOF, meanwhile, is proposing rates of ₱20 per liter for drinks using caloric or non-caloric sweeteners and ₱40 per liter for those containing high-fructose corn syrup.

Under the DOF proposal, the tax base would also be widened to cover dairy and plant-based ice creams, ice milk, sorbetes, ice lollies, and flavored or unflavored frozen yogurt.

The agency is also considering removing existing exemptions for some products, including 100% natural fruit and vegetable juices with no added sugar.

Supporters of the proposals say higher taxes could help discourage excessive sugar consumption while generating additional funding for government health and nutrition programs.

The proposed higher rates and expanded coverage, however, are not yet in effect and would still require congressional approval.

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