The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has dealt a significant blow to the illicit trade in the country by dismantling four large-scale manufacturers of counterfeit cigarettes operating in Pampanga.
This operation, the largest of its kind under BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr.'s leadership, resulted in the seizure of counterfeit cigarettes and unregistered manufacturing equipment in Clark, Pampanga.
According to the BIR, the value of these illicit activities amounts to over P8 billion in tax liabilities.
Lumagui said that the BIR will continue to strengthen its efforts against the illicit cigarette trade, regardless of its location.
“This P8 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 in a statement.
“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.
The BIR has been actively pursuing illicit cigarette manufacturers and distributors.
In recent months, it has conducted raids across various parts of the country, including Caloocan, Quezon City, and during the Philippine Vape Festival 2024.
The manufacturers involved in the Clark raid are now facing charges for violating provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), including unlawful possession of excise-taxed articles, unregistered manufacturing equipment, and failure to file tax returns.