MANILA7xm, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has vowed to continue targeting importers and distributors of illicit vape products this year.
Speaking at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Monday, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said they are now preparing possible charges against vape importers and distributors apprehended in late December 2024.
paypal slotsREAD: BIR: P40-B in excise taxes lost due to illicit cigarette, Vape trade
Article continues after this advertisement“Maybe in the first quarter, we will file many cases against illicit vape traders. Hopefully, this will serve as a lesson to stop supporting illicit vape products,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.
The Marcos administration aims to reduce the poverty incidence between 8.8 and nine percent by 2028.
The Philippine Hotel Owners Association Inc. (PHOA) revealed their target on Wednesday, October 16, during the official unveiling of the Philippine Hotel Industry Strategic Action Plan (PHISAP) 2023-2028 at the Westin Manila Hotel in Ortigas.
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Article continues after this advertisementThe BIR collected 560,000 units of vape products, amounting to P415 million in tax liabilities in 2024.
Article continues after this advertisementMeanwhile, last January 10, the bureau disclosed a P40 billion revenue loss in excise tax from 2021 to 2024.
Excisable products include vapor products, alcohol, petroleum, and tobacco, among others.
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