The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is asking Congress to allocate an additional budget for the storage of illicit cigarettes and confiscated machinery obtained in the agency’s anti-illicit trade operations.
As the government’s campaign intensifies, BIR Deputy Commissioner Maridur V. Rosario disclosed that storage has become one of the challenges facing the bureau in curbing the widespread trade of illicit tobacco.
Rosario said that the BIR is committed to the suppression of illegal cigarettes and is actively conducting operations nationwide to address the said matter.
Stakeholders estimate that by 2025, illicit tobacco could account for up to 21 percent of the total cigarette industry.
Rosario said that illegal cigarette traders have become more active in their operations.
That is why the BIR is dedicated to such illegal activities to be effectively addressed.
Earlier, BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. declared his firm stance on eradicating the illegal tobacco trade, recognizing its negative impact on the economy.
