The festive mood took a hit on Sunday, Aug. 18, when the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) conducted a raid at the Philippine Vape Festival 2024, targeting illegal products.
BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. headed a team that raided this year's vape festival in Las Piñas after surveillance indicated the sale of untaxed vape products.
In collaboration with the BIR Illicit Trade Task Force (ITTF), Lumagui seized the illicit products that were missing internal revenue stamps.
Over 5,000 illegal vapes were seized during the operations.
"We have given the vape industry every warning. The BIR will raid all venues with illicit vape, even on weekends or holidays. We will raid festivals. We will raid public markets. We will raid warehouses. You will face criminal charges for tax evasion,” Lumagui said.
The BIR chief pointed out that, despite reminders about tax compliance, illicit vape products were still openly displayed at the festival.
He described this as a clear disregard for proper taxation in the vape industry.
“They even organized a festival filled with illicit vape. The full strength of the BIR Illicit Trade Task Force will be deployed against this industry” Lumagui assured.
The BIR stated that the Philippine Vape Festival was scheduled to host a “Compliance Summit” to discuss adherence to “current regulations and policy changes”.
Before the summit, BIR operatives had already conducted covert surveillance of the festival under orders from the Lumagui and other Malacañang officials. The surveillance revealed that many of the vape businessmen were defrauding other vape traders and consumers by passing off their products as “compliant.”
“The BIR welcomes all informants, private or public, who have information on locations or events with illicit vape. The BIR Illicit Trade Task Force will act on all verified targets" Lumagui stated.
Earlier this month, the BIR conducted a raid on the Taytay Tiangge Market due to the presence of Flava and other illicit vape products.
Just weeks prior, the BIR also targeted a building in Quezon City, where a Flava vending machine was confiscated.
The vending machine was easily accessible to minors, as the building also housed a gym, dance studio, gymnastics studio, basketball court, café and bakery, laundry station, water station, and restaurant.
"This is also a warning to all the celebrities, influencers, and endorsers of illicit vape products. Do not associate yourselves with these individuals or companies, including those involved in organizing and setting up the Philippine Vape Festival 2024. By doing so, you are complicit in helping these illicit vape traders sell illegal products," Lumagui said.