Over ₱3 billion worth of vape products seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) last year were destroyed on Monday, April 7, led by the president, aiming to warn the public against smuggling and all forms of illicit trade. 

Based on a Department of Finance (DOF) statement released April 7, the total value of destroyed goods was equivalent to 3 million pieces of seized and forfeited electronic vapes, vape parts, and accessories.

These products were seized during 10 operations conducted by the Port of Manila (POM), Manila International Container Port (MICP), and the Intelligence Group (IG) in 2024.

President Marcos’ chief economic manager Ralph G. Recto, who also joined the president during the event, stated that shutting down illicit trade allows the government to increase its revenues. 

“By shutting down illicit trade, we protect our people’s access to affordable goods and boost our revenue collections that allow the government to provide more public services to Filipinos,” Recto said.

According to the DOF, the destruction aligns with Republic Act o. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, which enforces strict rules on the import, distribution, and taxation of these products.

“This is to ensure that only safe and compliant products reach Filipino consumers,” the DOF said. 

Recto commended the BOC for its “stronger and stricter crackdown on smugglers,” emphasizing that the “fight against smuggling goes beyond just border protection. It is a defense of our economic integrity.”

Anti-smuggling efforts

“We will continue to do this [destruction], and I just want to highlight the efforts we are making and the dangers that come with these smuggled vapes, which go beyond the loss of revenue to the government. More important to us are the health issues raised by these smuggled vapes," the president said in his speech.

To maintain the success of its seizure operations against illicit trade, the BOC is using a multi-faceted approach, including enhanced cooperation with law enforcement, improved intelligence gathering, regular site inspections, and tighter port control measures.

The Bureau has also closely worked with agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their Devices, and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV), Regional Intelligence and Liaison Offices (RILO), and international customs authorities to strengthen its enforcement against illegal trade.

“The BOC is able to efficiently profile and detect undeclared or misdeclared vape shipments,” the DOF said, emphasizing the Customs’ risk management system and cargo targeting system.

The BOC also conducts regular site visits on imported goods in warehouses or stores using letters of authorities (LOAs).

Alongside this, stricter port controls are enforced through Pre-Lodgment Control Orders, Alert Orders, and physical examinations of targeted shipments at airports and seaports to prevent the entry of vape products.

Also present during the event were DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque; Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio; Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Large Taxpayers Service Representative Atty. Peter Dator; OSMV Supervising Head Atty. M. Marcus N. Valdez II; and representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).