According to a report from the Philippine News Agency on May 13, Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines, announced on Monday (May 13) that the BIR will heed the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to continue cracking down on illegal e-cigarette products and cigarettes. He stated that selling illegal e-cigarettes and cigarettes that evade tax obligations is a criminal act.
In a video released by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), he stated, "Since 2022, the BIR has been conducting raids and litigation against illegal e-cigarette and cigarette traders." Lumagi emphasized that individuals found possessing and controlling illegal e-cigarettes and cigarettes will face criminal and administrative penalties.
As early as 2022, we have issued warnings, conducted raids, and filed criminal charges, urging "you" to register your business and pay taxes. You are disrupting an industry that provides millions of job opportunities for the people of the Philippines.
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