Sen. Pia Cayetano on Wednesday said she is pushing for tax exemptions on imported medical and sports equipment to improve access to healthcare and promote healthy lifestyles among Filipinos.

Cayetano said her proposal to remove import taxes on medical equipment such as CT scanners and MRI machines aims to help hospitals expand their services, particularly in underserved areas.

“Ang mamahal ng equipment na yan, ang dami pa rin nating hospital na walang CT scan, mga MRI — lahat yan tina-tax yan (Those machines are very expensive, and many hospitals still don’t have CT scanners or MRI machines — all of which are taxed),” she said.

She said the measure aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance access to healthcare, adding that she has sought the Department of Finance’s (DOF) support to include the exemption in the administration’s fiscal framework.

“Kung hindi nila isu-support yan, mavi-veto lang. Pero kung papayag sila, ang condition lang naman ng DOF is hindi lang mayaman ang makikinabang (If they don’t support it, it will just be vetoed. But if they agree, the DOF’s condition is that the benefit should not be exclusive to the rich),” she said.

Cayetano said the exemption would prioritize public hospitals, ensuring that low-income Filipinos benefit from the measure through reduced healthcare costs and better diagnostic access.

The senator is also studying tax incentives for sports and wellness industries, saying more affordable equipment could encourage Filipinos to adopt active lifestyles.

“The more affordable the equipment, the more Filipinos can engage in sports and fitness. Let’s make healthy living accessible to all,” she said.

Cayetano, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, said the proposals are part of a broader effort to balance revenue generation with social investment and public health improvement. (PNA)