On February 6, the Philippines Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced on its official website that they will be increasing enforcement efforts by 2025. BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. stated that BIR will continue to crackdown on illegal e-cigarettes and counterfeit cigarettes in 2025. This announcement comes in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s speech at the BIR event on Tuesday (4th), where President Marcos emphasized that individuals and companies engaged in tax fraud will be held accountable.
The President stated that the crackdown on illegal trade of taxed goods such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes in 2024 has recovered over 1.1 billion Philippine pesos (190 million USD) in tax revenue. He also warned that those who continue to exploit legal loopholes will be held accountable.
BIR Director Luma Ji reported that the agency has planned to carry out multiple enforcement activities targeting illegal e-cigarettes and cigarettes in 2025.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will continue to conduct raids on stores and warehouses selling illegal e-cigarettes or cigarettes in 2025. No matter the scale of the criminal activity, whether large or small, they will not be spared.
He emphasized that criminal charges will continue to be brought against large importers and small retailers in 2025.
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