BIR Blames Organizers for Illegal E-cigarette Raids at PVF

According to a report by the Manila Standard on August 22, Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., the Commissioner of the Philippines' Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), attributed the raid that took place at the Philippine Vape Festival (PVF) on Sunday (the 18th) to the organizers of the event and illegal e-cigarette vendors.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) pointed out that e-cigarette products without the proper tax markings are clear violations of tax laws, and the organizers and vendors at the exhibit failed to comply with this basic requirement.

Furthermore, Lumagui also advised celebrities and social media influencers to refrain from promoting illegal e-cigarettes, and suggested that they promote products that are legal and compliant.

In standard journalistic English: "Organizers of the 2024 e-cigarette exhibition in the Philippines, as well as owners of e-cigarette products selling at the event, why are you allowing them to exhibit without proper tax identification? It is your responsibility to ensure that e-cigarette products at the event are compliant. You have invited hundreds of Filipinos to the event, only to showcase illegal e-cigarettes? This is non-compliant, do not deceive the public.

The Bureau of Investigation and Research (BIR) pointed out that the names and images of multiple celebrities and internet influencers have appeared in numerous social media posts and promotional materials, actively promoting this event.

Celebrities, internet influencers, and brand ambassadors at trade shows should be more responsible when promoting e-cigarette products. Please instruct your agents or managers not to accept endorsements or promotions involving illegal e-cigarettes. Instead, we should focus on promoting compliant e-cigarettes to ensure the safety of consumers.

The BIR supports fair competition in the e-cigarette industry. Companies are encouraged to pay taxes and compete fairly. For those e-cigarette companies that regularly pay taxes, it would be very unfair if the BIR does not enforce fair tax policies on non-compliant companies.

On August 18th, the BIR Anti-Illegal Trade Special Action Group raided the Philippine Vape Festival (PVF) and seized 5,385 illegal e-cigarettes, all of which did not have tax markings.