REYES (FB)
AGONCILLO, Batangas – This town has issued Executive Order No. 37 creating the Municipal Anti-Illicit Trade Task Force and the Municipal Anti-Illicit Trade Regulation Unit to fight counterfeit and illicit products.
Mayor Cinderella "Cindy" Valenton-Reyes signed the executive order on July 13 that recognized that the proliferation of illicit tobacco products, counterfeit goods, and other products that infringe intellectual property rights deprives the government of lawful revenues, undermines consumer protection, discourages investments, and hampers sustainable local economic development.
"Sa paglaban sa illicit trade ay napapangalagaan natin ang ating mga mamimili, tayo'y nagbibigay ng patas na pagkakataon sa mga lehitimong negosyo, at tinitiyak na ang mga kita na nararapat para sa pamahalaan ay naibabalik sa mga serbisyong kailangan ng ating mga mamamayan. Patuloy at pinagtitibay ng pamahalaang bayan ng Agoncillo ang pakikipagtulungan sa iba't-ibang ahensya at sektor upang maisulong ang isang ligtas, responsable at maayos na komunidad," she said.
(By combating illicit trade, we are taking care of consumers and giving a chance to legitimate businesses, and government revenues are spent for public services. We are intensifying cooperation with other agencies and sectors for a safe, responsible, and orderly community)
The Municipal Anti-Illicit Trade Regulation Unit is tasked with monitoring the compliance of retailers, wholesalers, and distributors
with tobacco and vapor product regulations, including the sale of counterfeit and non-tax-paid products, sales to minors, and violations of minimum retail pricing and graphic health warning requirements.
It can also recommend administrative sanctions, including suspending or revoking business permits for repeat offenders.
The Municipal Anti-Illicit Trade Task Force is composed of key local government offices, the Agoncillo Municipal Police Station, representatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, Department of Trade and Industry, and the private sector to coordinate policy, enforcement, education, and regulatory oversight.