BIR expands VAT-exempt drug list to 2,263, led by cancer medicines
The Bureau of Internal Revenue has updated its list of VAT-exempt drugs, with cancer medicines receiving the biggest share.
A total of 2,263 drugs are on the list, as shared by Atty. Paolo S. Teston, director general of the BIR. Filed on April 8, the list includes 702 VAT-exempt drugs for cancer, 327 for diabetes, 171 for high cholesterol, 535 for hypertension, 152 for kidney disease, 300 for mental illness, and 76 for tuberculosis.
Based on the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, ischaemic heart diseases were the top causes of death in the Philippines from January to September 2025, followed by neoplasms, cerebrovascular diseases, pneumonia, and diabetes mellitus.
According to the Revenue Memorandum Circular containing the updated list of drugs filed on April 8, the additional medications have been endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health.
"This issuance forms part of the government's continuing efforts to help ease the cost of essential medicines, especially for Filipinos managing chronic and critical illnesses," wrote BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza in a statement.
The latest expanded list, therefore, supersedes previous circulars of the bureau regarding VAT-exempt drugs.
Find the complete list here.
