PORAC, Pampanga — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) started the nationwide destruction of 14.3 million packs of illicit cigarettes confiscated in an intensified campaign against untaxed contraband since 2023.
In a press briefing Monday (Feb. 24), BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., said the destruction activities is being carried out across 12 designated sites from February 24 to 28, 2025, with Porac, Pampanga serving as the primary destruction hub.
Lumagui personally led BIR officials in destroying the illegal cigarettes at the facility of Digama Waste Management Services owned by Robert Gaza located in Barangay Mitla, Porac, Pampanga.
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to uphold the law and deter illicit activities. Thus 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,” Lumagui said.
The BIR will be destroying 14.3 million packs of illicit cigarettes valued at around Php2.1 billion with an estimated tax liability of Php6.4 billion.
On top of preventing tax losses, the destruction of these illicit products 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. By ensuring that these products do not re-enter the market, the BIR is fulfilling a three-fold mandate – 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, further strengthening it drive to hold tax evaders accountable. These enforcement actions send a clear message, the BIR will not hesitate to take decisive action against those who violate tax laws.
Under Lumagui, the BIR continues to modernize its enforcement strategies, leveraging data-driven intelligence and aggressive operations to combat illicit activities. This initiative reflects the agency’s commitment to fair and efficient tax collection, ensuring the government revenues are properly allocated to public service and national development. (UnliNews Online)
