By Stephanie Sevillano
MANILA – The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) on Thursday urged local government units (LGUs) to intensify the nationwide crackdown on illicit tobacco.
The call came a day after authorities seized PHP6.46 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes hidden in a cement mixer truck in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte.
In a statement, NTA Administrator Belinda Sanchez said illegal tobacco trade harms public health and government revenues.
“The illicit trade undermines government revenues, public health, national security, and farmers’ incomes,” she said.
Data from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) show the government loses about PHP40 billion to PHP50 billion annually due to illicit cigarette and vape trade.
“Smuggled cigarettes are often sold at significantly lower prices, sometimes as low as PHP2 to PHP4 per stick, compared to about PHP8 for legitimate brands,” Sanchez said.
She said cigarette smuggling threatens the livelihood of about 2.2 million workers in the country’s legitimate tobacco industry.
The Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) seized nearly PHP3 billion worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in the last quarter of 2025.
Those involved may face charges under Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act of 2024.
Large-scale agricultural smuggling is considered “economic sabotage,” punishable by life imprisonment and fines of up to five times the value of seized goods.
Retailers selling untaxed cigarettes may face five to eight years in prison, while those selling cigarettes without health warnings may be fined up to PHP100,000 and face possible jail time. (PNA)
