Cebu: The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Central Visayas and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu have taken decisive action by destroying seized illicit tobacco products and manufacturing materials. According to Philippines News Agency, the destruction event, which took place on Thursday under the leadership of Finance Secretary Frederick Go, involved 170,052 packs of illicit cigarettes, 1,567 boxes and sacks of cigarette raw materials, and two production machines seized in Cebu.
The unpaid taxes and administrative penalties related to these items were estimated at PHP240 million. Secretary Go commended the efforts of the BIR and BOC, highlighting their success in apprehending PHP1.7 billion worth of illicit products in just two months, June and July of this year. Go emphasized the dual objectives of the campaign against illicit tobacco: safeguarding government revenues and protecting public health. He pointed out that the revenues from taxes could support government programs, while addressing the health risks posed by illicit tobacco products to unsuspecting citizens.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza directed relevant BIR offices to ensure the swift disposal of seized products following the completion of seizure and forfeiture proceedings. He stressed the importance of avoiding unnecessary delays and reiterated the commitment to collaborate with the BOC and other enforcement partners to bolster the campaign against illicit tobacco, prevent these products from reaching the market, and hold accountable those involved.
