Manila: The municipality of San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur has taken a decisive step in strengthening its campaign against illegal tobacco trade with the passage of a new ordinance institutionalizing measures against the sale, distribution, and transport of illicit tobacco products. This underscores the municipality's commitment to protecting legitimate tobacco farmers and traders while helping curb the circulation of untaxed and illegally sourced tobacco products in the community, Mayor Amante Purisima, who earlier issued an executive order related to it, said in a statement on Saturday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the municipal government of San Ildefonso has expressed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding its citizens from hazardous consumer goods, prioritizing public health, and fostering a strong culture of health consciousness. The approved ordinance, enacted on September 2, establishes a more permanent framework for local enforcement against the sale, distribution, transport, storage, and possession of non-compliant or counterfeit tobacco and vapor products.
More than a regulatory measure, the ordinance signifies a long-term commitment by the local government unit (LGU) to integrate the fight against illicit tobacco into its governance and law-enforcement efforts continually. The regulation addresses critical points in the supply chain, including the sale, distribution, and storage of tobacco and vapor products. Illicit products, as defined in the local ordinance, include items lacking required government registrations, internal revenue stamps, graphic health warnings, or those sold below the minimum price prescribed by law.
By establishing clearer rules for businesses, the local government aims to strengthen monitoring and make it more challenging for unauthorized products to enter the market or be distributed within the municipality. The measure enhances local enforcement by authorizing regular inspections, confiscation of illicit products, and closer coordination with national agencies, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Trade and Industry, and Food and Drug Administration.
Business establishments will also be required to comply with anti-illicit trade rules as a condition for the issuance and continued validity of their permits. Violations may result in suspension or revocation, while major or large-volume cases may be referred to national authorities for possible action under applicable national laws.
