The Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Monday, May 19 expressed firm belief that reducing taxes is not the solution to help curb illicit tobacco trade but that strengthening enforcement against such activities is still the best course. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the ways and means...
Industry groups are urging the government to rationalize the excise tax system, warning that the current structure is fueling the illicit trade of cigarettes and alternative products, jeopardizing government finances and public health. They said the existing tax framework is misaligned with market...
With illegal tobacco incidence reaching an all-time high of 18.2 percent in 2024, Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI) has urged the Marcos administration to recalibrate tax rates to help reverse the declining state of the tobacco industry. The latest industry data showed that illicit cigarettes...
Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing, Inc. (PMPM) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) lauded the Bureau of Customs (BOC) after the agency seized ₱83.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Bulacan. Last April 24, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International...
ATHENS, Greece—Several Filipinos became the first Asians to tour the Philip Morris International’s (PMI) Papastratos Terea factory this year in Greece, which exports its heated tobacco products to more than 40 markets worldwide, Papastratos communications manager Katerina Chatzopoulou said....
SAN FABIAN—The head of a tobacco farmers group has called for the appointment of a tobacco czar who will strictly administer the implementation of the law to prevent the rampant tobacco smuggling activities in the country. Saturnino Distor, president of Philippine Tobacco Growers...
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto together with the Pasig City Anti-Smoking Task Force. The Pasig City government was recognized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday, March 24, for its anti-tobacco use efforts and programs after receiving the highest score in the Index for...
CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur – The 2025 Tobacco Festival opened here on Friday, March 21. MAYOR Singson (FB) Candon City Mayor Eric D. Singson said activities in the week-long event that ends March 28 started with the culmination of the Women’s Month celebration at the Candon City Arena. “The...
Tobacco farmers are expected to earn more this year since current buying prices are much higher than the floor prices, according to the National Tobacco Administration (NTA). NTA Administrator Belinda Sanchez said this “golden season” is apparent based on the prices at the start...
House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN) The House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed on third and final reading a measure that would temper the rate of annual excise tax increases on tobacco products....
(Unsplash) On the strength of 177 affirmative votes, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the measure strengthening the administration of excise tax on tobacco products. House Bill (HB) No.11286, which covers...
A look at a panel forum during the Second International Tobacco Summit (Dexter Barro II/MANILA BULLETIN) The Department of Agriculture (DA) is committed to address the proliferation of illicit trade in the local tobacco industry, noting its severe impact on government revenues and the...
