BIR Raids Large-Scale Illicit Cigarette Factory and Warehouse in Cebu with ₱107M Tax Liability

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. reports another win in the fight against illicit trade with the recent raid of an illicit cigarette factory and warehouse located in Cebu last October 3 and 5. The BIR estimates around Php 107,756,900.45 in tax liability after seizing 32,545 counterfeit internal revenue stamps, 44, 310 packs of illicit cigarettes, 13 machines used for manufacturing cigarettes and raw materials for cigarettes.

"The BIR raided another large-scale illicit cigarette factory and warehouse. This raid in Cebu uncovered an estimate of 107M in tax liability. 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," Commissioner Lumagui stated.

Several violations of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) were committed by the operators of this 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.

BIR raided 408 Illicit Vape Retailers/Resellers in Nationwide Raid; Expect Regular Raids

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. led a nationwide raid against illicit vape retailers last October 16, 2024. By current estimates, a total of 408 vape retailers have been found to be selling illicit vape products. Commissioner Lumagui has ordered the BIR to conduct a weekly surveillance and raid of illicit vape retailers after the nationwide raid.

"The BIR Nationwide Raid against illicit vape retailers/resellers last October 16, 2024 shows our aggressive stance against illicit vape. We raided 408 illicit vape retailers. I have ordered weekly raids against illicit vape retailers, wherever they may be found. Walang illicit vape smuggler kung walang illicit vape retailer/reseller," Commissioner Lumagui stated.

Illicit vape retailers/resellers were found in Bulacan, Manila

City, Quezon City, San Juan City, Makati City, Las Pinas City , Pangasinan, Benguet, Isabela, Laguna, La Union, Pasay City, Albay, Iloilo, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Butuan, Agusan del Sur, South Cotabato, Davao, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Ilocos Sur.

Lack of internal revenue stamps and lack of BIR registration of the vape products are the common violations of illicit vape retailers/resellers. The total number of vape products confiscated is still undergoing inventory.

The nationwide raid was a simultaneous enforcement activity. Revenuers conducted a covert surveillance of vape retailers located in their respective regions and districts before the actual raid.

Miss Earth 2024 Shines in Filipino Couture: Stunning Indigenous Weaves Steal the Spotlight

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Aside from seeing the wonderful designs by members of the Designers Circle of the Philippines worn by the Miss Earth delegates, the presentation of delegates held on the night of October 23, 2024 at The Cove of Okada Manila was a testament to how we should all be proud of the Philippines for being so rich in world-class indigenous fabrics - just one of the many gifts that Mother Earth has to offer.

Hosting the Miss Earth 2024 Press Presentation were Drita Ziri, Miss Earth 2023,  Yllana Marie Aduana, Miss Earth Air, Do Lan Anh, Miss Earth Water, Cora Bliault, Miss Earth Fire.

This year's competition highlights the role of cultural heritage in promoting sustainability. In line with the Heritage theme, the delegates showcased original couture creations featuring Filipino weaves from Luzon, Vistas and Mindanao. These original designs are from the talented minds of some of the members of Designers Circle Philippines, the largest organization of fashion designers and creatives in the Philippines led by its founding Chairman Johnny Abad. 

The month of October is designated as National Indigenous People's Month. As you see the delegates walking the runway, we are reminded that in order for us to appreciate and propagate these wonderful creations, we need to first and foremost protect Mother Nature.

Present at the press presentation were Carousel Productions executives namely President Ramon Monzon, Executive Vice President Lorraine Schuck, and Vice President and Project Director Peachy Veneracion.

The five judges for the night were Rafael Jasper Vicencio, Rommel Padillo Searrano, Karen Ibasco, Cielo Reboredo and Eric Pineda.

Albania, Algeria, Argentina and Australia were wearing the original designs of Ganda Anore using the Yakan Weave of Zamboanga and the T'nalak of the T'boli Tribe of South Cotabato.

Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium were wearing the creations of Al Banzon featuring the Hagondon local weave of Cavite.

Belize, Bolivia, Boznia and Herzegovina and Brazil showcased the T'nalak of the T'boli Tribe of South Cotabato from designer Jasper Adorador.

Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, and Cambodia were looking fabulous in designs using Inabel from the Cordillera Region by Johnny Abad.

Cameroon, Canada, Chile and China showcased the Dagmay fabric from Davao Oriental from designer Toshimi Pacumbala.

Colombia, Costa Rica, and Cuba were wearing Bepz Torres featuring the Inabel weave of Ilocos Sur.

Dominican Republic, El Salvador, England, Ethiopia and France were wearing the collection by Rafael Gonzalez using Ramit of the Mangyan Tribe.

Fiji and Ghana were wearing original designs by Adonis Ara Samson featuring the creative use of Inabel of the Cordillera Region.

Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong and Iceland were wearing the striking collection from Michael Mendoza featuring Langkit-Manaraon Tapestry.

India, Indonesia, Italy and Japan featured collection of Jun Lee using Pinukpok Abaca Silk of Bicol.

Kenya, Korea, Kosovo and Laos wore the creations of Alfonso Emmanuel showcasing T'nalak of T'boli Tribe of South Cotabato.

Liberia, Madagascar, and Malaysia were in Darlene Acuna creations using Ilat from Ifugao and Cordillera Inabel.

Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia and Montenegro were in original designs by Laura Santos using T'nalak of the T'boli Tribe of South Cotabato.

Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal and Netherlands were wearing Edwin Uy using Ramit of the Mangyan Tribe and Yakan of Zamboanga.

New Zealand, Nigeria and Northern Marianas were wearing masterfully crafted ensemble by Johnny Abad in Inabel of Ilocos Region.

Norway and Pakistan were wearing Harley Ruedas showcasing Cebu Hablon and Jusi.

Peru, Philippines, Poland and Portugal were wearing creations by Thad Carreon using Inabel of Isabela.

Puerto Rico, Reunion Island, Russia and Samoa were in Santa Emmanuel le originals using Having Ibaan and Burdang Taal of Batangas.

Serbia and Singapore were in Joy Aguilar Aaliwin showcasing Lumad & T'boli Weave of Mindanao.

Slovenia, South Africa, Si Lanka and Thailand were in Modz Linsangan Jose using Pina & Jusi Cocoon of Luman, Laguna.

UAE, USA, US Virgin Islands and Venezuela were wearing original designs by Rusty & Geoffrey Atelier.

Vietnam, Wales, and Zimbabwe were in breathtaking creations by Alistair Balance using Binakol Fabric of Abra.

Congratulations to all the winners of the Best in Philippine Heritage Attire for Gold, Silver and Bronze, 

Gold: USA, Beatrice Millan-Windorski

Silver: Dominican Republic, Tamara Aznar

Bronze: Kenya, Tiffany Faith Wanyama 

and the Media Favorite Awards, are:

Asia & Ocean: Australia, Jessica Lane

Europe: Iceland, Hrafnhidur Haraldsdottir

America's: US Virgin Islands, Brianna McSween

and Africa: Cabo Verde, Jasmine Jorgensen