BIR: P2.1b in confiscated cigarettes to be destroyed

Between February 24 and February, the Bureau of Internal Income (BIR) destroys P2.1 billion cigarettes confiscated as part of its intensified efforts against illegal trade and tax evasion.

The operation of five days, led by the commissioner Bir, Romeo Lumagui Jr., takes place on 12 designated sites, with porac, as the main hub of destruction.

To be destroyed there are 14.3 million packages of illegal entry cigarettes, with a tax obligation estimated by P6.4 billion. This initiative follows a series of application actions launched by BIR, including national raids and criminal files against individuals and corporations involved in illegal tobacco trade.

“This initiative is a will of our commitment to maintain the law and to discourage illicit activities,” Lumagui said. “This is the next rational step in the national raids that I have performed in 2022 and the submission of criminal cases against these persons and corporations without scruples.”

The trade with illicit cigarettes not only costs billions of fishermen in lost tax revenues, but also presents serious risks to public health, stressed the light, mentioning that irregular tobacco products, often smuggled or counterfeit, have no quality control measures. , which makes them more dangerous for third -party consumers and smokers.

“These execution actions send a clear message – BIR will not hesitate to take decisive measures against those who violate tax laws,” Lumagui said.

Support from Tobacco Group

In a separate statement, the Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI) and expressed full support for repression and hired to work with the government to combat illicit trade.

“The destruction of these counterfeit products and which make taxes shows that BIR takes decisive measures to protect the integrity of the tobacco industry, which contributes with billions of pessos in annual-found excise duties that directly support national medical assistance programs and social services,” said the .

While the application is important, the PTI added, to make the illicit commercial work group, led by BIR, a permanent government body would ensure a long -term strategic fight against illegally and false traded cigarettes.

A dedicated working group focused on applying, preventing and exchange information would contribute to disassembling illegal networks and responds to the breach, PTI stressed.

Tobacco product smuggling also affects the living of millions of farmers and retail traders in the legal tobacco industry, PTI said, because it has ensured the Government “Support of additional initiatives that will protect legitimate enterprises, will support fair market practices and will protect the public public income. “