Taxing smoke: luxury sticks

A screen cap from a fashion film by Ruth Hogben:
There is no denying cigarettes, a major target of the bill, is a cultural phenomenon. 

With the senate voting for the Sin Tax Bill, a great number of anti-smoking individuals are rejoicing the predicted curbing of smoking in the Philippines by a sharp increase in the prices of tobacco products.

Well, while I am one in the cause of dramatically decreasing the incidence of smoking-related health problems in the country, I can't deny the fear of some other less attractive complications with the indoctrination of the bill. A very obvious one will be the more defined gap between the rich and the poor. Smoking will be less accessible to those who belong to the lower echelon and the rich will be the primary consumers of the products.

This will propel the stronger symbolisms behind cigarette use. It is very noticeable that the use of cigarettes (and alcohol for that mater) are more prevalent in creative groups - an explanation would be the more liberal and experimental approach creatives have towards substances. Smoking is not only a vice, it is a shared experience that pulls a crowd together. Like it or not, it is very symbolic as it is detrimental.

And with this new bill, cigarettes will not be only a display of liberality but also of luxury. Yes, on a national level, a significant decrease in the demand of cigarettes will most likely occur but in a more sociological space, it will strengthen the connotation of smoking. A stick will not only be more expensive, it will replace/compliment a Keepall 45".