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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Khonghun backs Marcos order to step up fight vs tobacco, vape smuggling

Khonghun backs Marcos order to step up fight vs tobacco, vape smuggling

Published May 12, 2024 06:35 am

At A Glance

  • House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun has expressed support for President Marcos' directive to strengthen efforts against the smuggling of tobacco and vape products.

Jay Khonghun.jpgZambales 1st district Rep. Jefferson "Jay" Khonghun (PPAB)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st district Rep. Jefferson "Jay" Khonghun has expressed support for President Marcos’ directive to strengthen efforts against the smuggling of tobacco and vape products.

"I commend President Marcos for his decisive action in prioritizing the fight against tobacco and vape product smuggling. This sends a clear message that our government is serious about protecting public health and ensuring the integrity of our markets," Khonghun said in a statement on Sunday, May 12.

Khonghun, a member of the so-called “Young Guns” in the House of Representatives, underscored the importance of combating the illicit trade of these products given its health risks and economic repercussions on legitimate businesses and government revenues.

"It is crucial that we address and end the rampant smuggling of tobacco and vape products, which not only poses health hazards to our citizens but also undermines the efforts of legitimate businesses and deprives the government of much-needed revenue," the lawmaker said.

He said smuggling in general is not only an economic issue, but also forms subversion that encourage lawlessness, promote syndicated crimes, and erode economic gains.

Khonghun stressed that concerned agencies, namely the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), should help the President in handling this urgent concern.

During the Private Sector Advisory Council-Agriculture Sector Group (PSAC-ASG) meeting on Wednesday, Marcos stated the need to reinforce the anti-smuggling efforts of the government.

The PSAC-ASG made several recommendations and policy requirements to protect the tobacco industry. These include amendments to the Anti-Agri Smuggling Act of 2016 to include tobacco products, provisions on minimum retail price (MRP), and penalties for distributing and selling smuggled products.

Khonghun noted that under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, the House has made it a top priority to fight all forms of smuggling, including agricultural products.

To help combat this issue, he suggests the creation of a comprehensive approach that involves close cooperation between government agencies, law enforcement, and other stakeholders.

Related Tags

TOBACCO PRODUCTS Jay Khonghun Anti-Smuggling vape products
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