By Anna Leah Gonzales
MANILA – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), recently conducted 76 simultaneous operations in North and Central Luzon as part of the government’s intensified crackdown on illicit cigarettes.
In a statement Friday, the BIR said the simultaneous operations conducted on March 2 resulted in the seizure of 185,233 packs of illicit cigarettes, with an estimated tax liability and administrative charges amounting to PHP43 million.
A total 67 simultaneous operations were carried in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in coordination with the Police Regional Offices (PRO) in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.
Authorities confiscated 183,558 packs of assorted smuggled cigarette brands from 51 stores, with a total tax liability of PHP41.7 million inclusive of administrative penalties.
In Central Luzon, the BIR Revenue Region No. 4 – Central Luzon, together with the regional police, also conducted raids targeting retailers of untaxed tobacco products.
The BIR said nine establishments were found in possession of illicit excisable articles, resulting in the seizure of 1,675 packs of untaxed cigarettes with an estimated total tax liability of PHP1.4 million inclusive of administrative penalties.
“All store owners found with illicit products are facing appropriate charges under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, and other applicable laws for violations related to excise taxes, value-added taxes, and graphic health warning compliance,” the BIR said.
The March 2 seizures, which followed earlier enforcement operations in February, are part of BIR’s enforcement drive.
The BIR said enforcement operations will continue nationwide as part of the Marcos administration’s bid to protect the country’s revenue base. (PNA)
