Meds for cancer, diabetes now VAT-exempt

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has posted an updated list of more than 2,000 crucial medicines that have been exempted from value-added tax (VAT).

As endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 27-2026 specifies medications used for the treatment of cancer, hypertension, and other grievous conditions that require long-term treatment.

“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,” said BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza.

RMC No. 27-2026 further notes that the updated list supersedes previous revenue memorandum circulars and will remain in effect until the FDA endorses further updates.

Of the 2,263 medicines listed, 702 are for cancer, 535 for hypertension, 327 for diabetes, 300 for mental illness, 171 for high cholesterol, 152 for kidney disease and 76 for tuberculosis.

A full list can be found here.