MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) conducted a series of coordinated raids across North and Central Luzon on March 2, 2026, resulting in the seizure of over 185,000 packs of illicit cigarettes. The operations have uncovered an estimated ₱43 million in unpaid taxes and administrative penalties.
In coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the BIR executed 76 simultaneous operations:
- Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): This was the primary focus, with 67 operations across 51 stores. Authorities confiscated 183,558 packs, accounting for ₱41.8 million in tax liabilities.
- Central Luzon: Nine stores were raided, yielding 1,675 packs with tax liabilities totaling ₱1.4 million.
Store owners and distributors involved face multiple charges under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997. Violations include:
- Non-payment of Excise Taxes and Value-Added Tax (VAT).
- Failure to comply with Graphic Health Warning requirements.
- Possession of smuggled or untaxed tobacco products.
The BIR stated that these raids are part of a broader “sustained enforcement drive” under the BIR DARES program and the economic reforms led by Finance Secretary Frederick Go.
- Revenue Target: The government aims to collect ₱166.57 billion in tobacco excise taxes for the year 2026.
- Senate Inquiry: The crackdown comes as Senator Sherwin Gatchalian seeks a formal inquiry (Senate Resolution 250) into the possible involvement of government officials in large-scale tobacco smuggling.
The BIR has vowed to continue these nationwide operations to protect public funds and ensure a level playing field for legitimate businesses that comply with tax laws.
