THE bicameral conference committee reconciling the tax reform legislation has agreed to impose a 5% excise tax on cosmetic surgery procedures, Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon said.

“Cosmetic tax at 5% approved by bicam,” Mr. Drilon, a member of the bicameral committee, said in a text message.

The Senate version of the bill calls for a 10% excise tax on cosmetic procedures and body enhancements undertaken for aesthetic reasons, but met with strong resistance from the House.

Reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, disease, and those intended to correct dysfunctional areas of the body are exempt from the tax.

Mr. Drilon has said that he backs the excise tax on luxuries like cosmetic surgery “as a matter of principle” and as a gesture to the majority of people broadly affected by higher taxes on commodities like fuel.

“The House has taken the position that a cosmetic tax should not be imposed,” adding, “Certainly, there’s a very strong lobby.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

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