Illicit cigarettes seized in Isabela carry P82.33M in tax liabilities – BIR

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue in Cagayan Valley has seized over 100,00 packs of suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated floor price of P9.02 million but with tax liabilities of at least P82.33 million – P81.8 million in excise tax and P1.53 million in value-added tax, according to a BIR statement on Monday. The operation was conducted on June 25 in a hotel in Cauayan City, Isabela, under the leadership of OIC-Regional Director Lorna B. Binarao and OIC-Assistant Regional Director Reymarie T. De la Cruz. It was personally led by Revenue District Officer Robertson Gazzingan of Revenue District Office No. 15 – Isabela, together with the chief of the Assessment Section, Sheila Povan. The enforcement activity was conducted in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), led by Col. Rodrigo B. Soriano, chief of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 2, and Col. Jerry O. Castillo, OIC of the Cauayan Component City Police Station. Cauayan City Mayor Caesar S. Dy Jr. also joined the operation in support of the government’s campaign against illicit trade. BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza commended the enforcement team for its successful operation, saying: “The BIR will continue to strengthen its campaign against illicit tobacco products and other forms of tax evasion. We remain resolute in safeguarding government revenues and ensuring that businesses operate on a level playing field.” “The success of this operation reflects the strong collaboration between the BIR, law enforcement agencies, and local government units,” he added. “Through sustained inter-agency cooperation and strict implementation of the National Internal Revenue Code, we will continue to hold violators accountable and protect the interests of law-abiding taxpayers.”