MANILA – In a major anti-illicit tobacco operation, Philippine authorities seized cigarette production materials and millions of counterfeit excise tax stamps from a Pampanga warehouse, preventing significant potential revenue losses.
The enforcement, carried out by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and Philippine National Police (PNP) on March 5–6, uncovered a large cache of cigarette raw materials, packaging items, tipping paper, and more than 4.8 million excise tax stamps, including counterfeit duplicates with matching serial numbers.
The total value of the confiscated items is estimated at ₱382 million, according to BOC. BIR officials warn that the fake stamps could have facilitated the production of untaxed cigarettes worth around ₱93.7 million in lost government revenue.
Investigators also noted that the warehouse was unregistered with Revenue District Office No. 21B – South Pampanga, which has authority over Apalit. The facility has been secured as authorities determine ownership and the involvement of any individuals.
“The crackdown has halted the potential large-scale distribution of illegal cigarettes that would have undermined legitimate businesses and deprived the government of essential tax income,” BIR said.
Commissioner Charlito Mendoza added that the operation is part of broader efforts to combat illicit cigarette trade, ensuring that government revenues remain protected and the market remains fair.
The BIR’s intensified enforcement aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of an efficient, transparent, and responsive public service under Bagong Pilipinas.
elamigo/xf
