At A Glance
- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) seizes 717 master cases, equivalent to 358,500 packs, of illicit cigarettes in Davao City.<br>According to the BIR, there was an estimated tax liability of P252 million resulting from the seizure.<br>This was a joint effort between BIR and Naval Forces of Eastern Mindanao Command.<br>BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. vows to continue fighting illicit tobacco traders and smugglers.<br>Brands involved in smuggling: Canon, GreenHill, and Bros.<br>Violation of Section 130 of the National Internal Revenue Code, Republic Act 11900, and Revenue Regulations Nos. 7-2021, 18-2021, and 14-2022.<br>Another successful enforcement operation conducted in collaboration with Davao City Police Office PS6 and Task Force Davao.<br>Seizure of 51 master cases, equivalent to 25,500 packs, of New Orleans smuggled cigarettes.<br>Estimated tax liability of approximately P17.9 million.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has seized illicit cigarettes in Davao region as part of its intensified efforts to apprehend unscrupulous traders and smugglers.
BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said the bureau has successfully seized 717 master cases, equivalent to 358,500 packs, of illicit cigarettes, resulting in an estimated tax liability amounting to P252 million.
Lumagui said the confiscation of illicit cigarettes in Davao on No. 6 was a collaborative effort between the BIR and the Naval Forces of Eastern Mindanao Command.
"The BIR will continue the fight against illicit tobacco traders or smugglers wherever they may be,” Lumagui said in a statement on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
“The BIR will continue to protect compliant taxpayers while prosecuting illicit trade. We will not stop. Expect more enforcement operations," he added.
During a joint operation, it was uncovered that certain brands, namely Canon, GreenHill, and Bros, were being smuggled into the Philippines without fulfilling their obligations of paying excise taxes.
This is a clear violation of Section 130 of the National Internal Revenue Code as amended, Republic Act 11900, and Revenue Regulations Nos. 7-2021, 18-2021, and 14-2022, Lumagui cited.
Furthermore, on Nov. 8, another successful enforcement operation was conducted by the BIR in collaboration with the Davao City Police Office PS6 and Task Force Davao during a random checkpoint in Bunawan, Davao City.
The operation led to the seizure of 51 master cases, equivalent to 25,500 packs, of New Orleans smuggled cigarettes, with an estimated tax liability of approximately P17.9 million.