The Commissioner of the Philippine Internal Revenue Service announced that the crackdown on illegal vapes and illegal cigarettes will continue to be intensified in 2025, with multiple enforcement activities planned, including raids on shops and warehouses, regardless of the size of the crime.
On February 6, the official website of the Philippine Internal Revenue Service (BIR) announced that the enforcement efforts of the Internal Revenue Service (BIR) will be increased in 2025. BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. announced that the BIR will continue to intensify its crackdown on illegal vapes and illegal cigarettes in 2025. The statement was made in response to a speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who stressed that both individuals and companies engaged in tax fraud would be held accountable.
The president said that “the action against illegal trade in taxable goods such as cigarettes and vapes in 2024 recovered more than 110 million Philippine pesos ($1.9 million) in taxes.” We will continue to hold accountable those who continue to exploit loopholes in the law.”
BIR Director Lumagi reported that the BIR has planned several enforcement activities against illegal vapes and cigarettes in 2025.
- “The BIR will continue to conduct raids on shops and warehouses selling illegal vapes or cigarettes in 2025, and criminal activities, whether large-scale or small-scale, will not be spared.”
He stressed that criminal proceedings against large importers and small retailers will continue in 2025.
