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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider ₱8.5-billion tax evasion case filed after Bulacan, Valenzuela raids in November

₱8.5-billion tax evasion case filed after Bulacan, Valenzuela raids in November

Published Feb 17, 2025 06:04 am

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed tax evasion cases against individuals involved in a large-scale illicit cigarette operation in Bulacan and Valenzuela, following a raid last November.

In a statement on Monday, Feb. 17, BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said the bureau filed an ₱8.5 billion tax evasion case against the unscrupulous traders behind an illicit cigarette factory and three warehouses.

During the operation in November, authorities seized raw materials, cigarette-making machines, and cigarette-packing machines. Six Chinese nationals were also apprehended.

“It was the largest operation of the BIR against illicit cigarette last 2024,” Lumagui said.

“The BIR will not stop filing criminal cases against large-scale illicit cigarette manufacturers and distributors.”

“Big or small, all operations of illicit cigarettes in the Philippines are criminal in nature," he added. 

The individuals involved violated the National Internal Revenue Code, specifically Section 236 in relation to Section 258 - Unlawful Pursuit of Business, Section 263 - Unlawful Possession or Removal of Articles Subject to Excise Tax without Payment of Tax, Section 265-B - Unlawful Possession of Any Apparatus or Mechanical Contrivance for the Manufacture of Cigarettes, and Section 260 - Unlawful Possession of Cigarette Paper in Bobbins or Rolls, Cigarette Tipping Paper or Cigarette Filter Tips.

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Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. BIR Commissioner Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
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