The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has recently raided an illicit cigarette factory and warehouse in Cebu with tax liability estimated at P107.76 million.
In a statement, the BIR said 32,545 counterfeit internal revenue stamps, 44,310 packs of illicit cigarettes, 13 machines used for manufacturing cigarettes and raw materials for cigarettes were seized in the enforcement operations conducted on October 3 and 5.
“The BIR will not stop raiding all illicit trade activities, wherever they may be located. We will protect the legitimate agricultural sector and the thousands of jobs it produces for our Filipino farmers,” BIR commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said.
The tax agency said several violations of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) were committed by the operators of the illicit cigarette factory and warehouse.
These include Section 265(C) Possession of Counterfeit Internal Revenue Stamps, Section 263 Unlawful Possession or Removal of Articles Subject to Excise Tax, Section 265-B Violations Committed by Manufacturers, Importers, Indentors, and Wholesalers of Any Apparatus or Mechanical Contrivance Specially for the Manufacture of Articles Subject to Excise Tax and Importers, Indentors, Manufacturers or Sellers of Cigarette Paper in Bobbins, Cigarette Tipping Paper or Cigarette Filter Tips, Section 260 Unlawful Possession of Cigarette Paper in Bobbins or Rolls, Etc., Section 236 Registration Requirements of the NIRC, Section 254 Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax and Section 255 Failure to File Return, Supply Correct and Accurate Information.
