SEIZED ALCOHOL. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confiscates 390,000 liters of ethyl alcohol from two warehouses in Quezon City on Friday (July 19, 2024). The BIR said the estimated unpaid taxes amount to more than PHP700 million. (Photo from BIR)
MANILA – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confiscated on Friday 390,000 liters of ethyl alcohol from two warehouses in Balintawak, Quezon City, with an estimate unpaid excise taxes above PHP700 million.
"The PHP700 million lost in public funds due to the smuggling or non-payment of excise taxes for 390,000 liters of ethyl alcohol, could have been used by the government for its social welfare or infrastructure programs," BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said in a news release.
"Tax evaders and smugglers rob the Filipino people of a better future. The BIR commits to stopping these criminals. Expect criminal cases to be filed," Lumagui added.
According to the BIR, a tipster and covert surveillance of movement of company vehicles led the BIR to the location of the warehouses and its contents.
The BIR said it welcomes all informants that can help provide targets for the different enforcement teams of the agency, including that of excisable articles. (PNA)
