The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has commenced the nationwide destruction of confiscated untaxed cigarettes valued at ₱2.1 billion.

The operation, which runs from today until the end of the month, aims to eliminate illicit tobacco products and prevent them from re-entering the market.

BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., along with officials from the Large Taxpayers Service and various revenue regions, will oversee the operation, with Porac, Pampanga serving as the main destruction site.

Lumagui highlighted the importance of this initiative in the fight against illegal trade and the protection of legitimate businesses.

“This initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to enforcing the law and curbing illegal activities. It follows the nationwide raids, confiscation of contraband, and the filing of criminal charges against those involved in these unlawful practices,” Lumagui stated.

The BIR is set to destroy approximately 14.3 million packs of illicit cigarettes, which carry an estimated tax liability of ₱6.4 billion.

This large-scale destruction serves three primary objectives: boosting revenue collection, safeguarding legitimate businesses and consumers, and promoting public health and safety by ensuring that unregulated tobacco products do not circulate in the market.

The event will be attended by legislators from the Senate and House of Representatives, public health advocates, and stakeholders from the tobacco industry, reflecting widespread support for the BIR's efforts to combat illicit trade.

For its part, the Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI) commended the BIR’s enforcement efforts, noting that “the destruction of these counterfeit and tax-evading products demonstrates that the BIR is taking decisive action to protect the integrity of the tobacco industry, which contributes billions of pesos in excise taxes annually—funds that directly support national healthcare programs and social services.”

While enforcement is crucial, PTI suggested the creation of a BIR-led illicit trade task force to “ensure a more sustained and strategic approach to combating the proliferation of illicit cigarettes and counterfeit tobacco products.”

“A dedicated task force focusing on enforcement, prevention, and intelligence-sharing would strengthen the government’s ability to disrupt illicit networks and hold offenders accountable,” it further said. (With Derco Rosal)