By Anna Leah Gonzales
MANILA – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is set to destroy PHP2.1 billion worth of illicit cigarettes in 12 designated sites from Feb. 24 to 28, 2025.
In a statement Monday, the BIR said a total of 14.3 million packs of illicit cigarettes with an estimated tax liability of PHP6.4 billion and illicit cigarette-making machines will be destroyed.
Digama Waste Management Services in Porac, Pampanga will serve as the primary destruction hub.
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the destruction of the illicit goods demonstrates the BIR’s commitment to eradicating illicit trade and protecting legitimate businesses.
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to uphold the law and deter illicit activities. This is the rational next step from the nationwide raids we conducted since 2022 and the filing of the criminal cases against these unscrupulous individuals and corporations,” said Lumagui.
The BIR said the destruction of these illicit products also addresses serious public health risks, as cigarettes from unknown sources pose exponentially higher hazards to both consumers and third-party smokers due to the absence of quality control and regulation.
It added that by ensuring that these products do not re-enter the market, the BIR is strengthening revenue collection, protecting the business environment and consumers, and safeguarding public health and safety.
Aside from confiscation and destruction, the BIR has filed multiple criminal cases against individuals and corporations involved in illegal trade.
“The destruction of illicit goods is a crucial step in maintaining the integrity of our revenue collection, protecting the health of our citizens, and safeguarding the interests of legitimate businesses who properly file and pay the correct taxes due to the government,” Lumagui said.
In a separate statement, the Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI) commended the BIR for the destruction of illicit cigarettes and manufacturing equipment.
“The Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI) congratulates the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. for their resolute efforts in combating illicit trade through the nationwide destruction of illicit cigarettes and cigarette-making equipment,” said the PTI.
“The PTI fully supports these enforcement efforts and remains committed to collaborating with government agencies to eliminate illicit trade. The destruction of these counterfeit and tax-evading products demonstrates that the BIR is taking decisive action to protect the integrity of the tobacco industry, which contributes billions of pesos in excise taxes annually—funds that directly support national healthcare programs and social services,” it added.
The PTI however cited the need to institutionalize the BIR-led Illicit Trade Task Force to ensure a more sustained and strategic approach to combating the proliferation of illicit cigarettes and counterfeit tobacco products.
“A dedicated task force focusing on enforcement, prevention, and intelligence-sharing would strengthen the government’s ability to disrupt illicit networks and hold offenders accountable,” it said.
The PTI assured that it would support government initiatives that that safeguard legitimate businesses, uphold fair market practices, and protect public revenues. (PNA)
