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Advancing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for enhanced enforcement against smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) inspected a warehouse in Plaridel, Bulacan, leading to the discovery of approximately P605.29 million worth of illicit cigarettes with markings indicating China and Vietnam.The inspection was conducted by virtue of a Letter of Authority, following intelligence reports of suspicious […]
Senator Win Gatchalian sounded the alarm over the widespread smuggling and illicit trade of excisable products, including cigarettes and vapes, saying such activities erode revenue collection, pose health concerns, and create peace and order issues. “My worry is a reversal in smoking prevalence trends. We previously had a win-win situation where smoking prevalence was decreasing […]
Senator Pia Cayetano called it a victory for the future generation as she commended the Supreme Court (SC) ruling that upheld the validity of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Act of 2009 and recognized the continued regulatory authority of the Department of Health (DOH) […]
The bicameral (bicam) conference committee approved the proposed measure seeking to increase taxes on alcoholic drinks, heated tobacco products, and vapor cigarettes. In an interview after the bicam meeting, Senator Pia Cayetano and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said the reconciled version of Senate Bill No. 1074 and House Bill No. 1026 is expected to give […]
Senator Pia Cayetano has welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s certification of the Senate’s version of the sin tax bill as urgent. “I have always known that the President and I are aligned when it comes to regulating cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and alcohol products. But this certification is much appreciated because it sends a message to all the […]
Senator Win Gatchalian said a law may be needed to further regulate the sale of e-cigarettes, vapes, and other electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems in the Philippines. Gatchalian issued the statement after the CEO of Juul Labs stepped down amid growing concern in the United States over the safety of the e-cigarette company’s products. […]
The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the bill proposing to increase the excise tax on alcohol and heated tobacco and vapor products. House Bill 1026 was approved with 184 affirmative votes, two negative votes and one abstention, making it the first bill to be approved by the House in the 18th Congress. […]
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) under Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero has filed charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against importers and Customs brokers who were allegedly behind the recently foiled smuggling of sugar and cigarettes from Thailand. Now facing charges before the DOJ are Amulet Supply Chain Corporation President Evelio R. Gelleposo and […]
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be checking if cigarettes and other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are being sold or promotes within the 100 meters of public and private schools. Smokers will also receive verbal warnings if they were found to be smoking within 100 meters from schools, the MMDA added. The initiative, which […]
Senator Win Gatchalian is pushing to increase the tobacco tax to P70 per pack in a bid to curb cigarette consumption among Filipinos and raise funds for government Universal Health Care (UHC) programs. In filing Senate Bill No. 2177 to amend the Tax Code and further hike the tobacco excise tax, Gatchalian expressed alarm that […]