ILLICIT. Illicit cigarettes seized by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in four simultaneous raids of large-scale manufacturers of illicit cigarettes in Clark, Pampanga on Sept. 12, 2024. The bureau on Monday (Oct. 7) said it has initially computed more than PHP8 billion in tax liability from the discovery of illicit cigarettes and unregistered machines. (Photo from BIR)
MANILA – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confiscated illicit cigarettes and unregistered machines during a simultaneous raid in four manufacturers in Clark, Pampanga.
In a statement on Monday, the bureau said the total tax liability is estimated at PHP8.06 billion, making the operation last Sept. 12 the largest raid against illicit cigarettes since Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. assumed office.
The BIR said the manufacturers of illicit cigarettes are now under investigation for violation of the National Internal Revenue Code.
"This PHP8 billion raid in Clark, Pampanga shows that the BIR targets even large-scale manufacturers of illicit cigarettes, not just small-scale dealers or smugglers," Lumagui said.
"The BIR supports the call of President Bongbong Marcos to eradicate illicit tobacco trade. The BIR will do its share to protect the livelihood of legitimate tobacco farmers," he added.
Last September, the BIR carried out night raids in Caloocan and Quezon City, uncovering illicit cigarettes with PHP838 million in tax liabilities.
The BIR also raided the Philippine Vape Festival 2024 in August where thousands of vape products were seized. (PNA)
