BIR files P8.7 billion tax evasion case vs vape importers
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) yesterday filed complaints for tax evasion against importers and distributors of illegal vape products amounting to P8.7 billion.
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui led the filing of charges at the Department of Justice against illegal vape products bearing the brand names Flava, Denkat and Flare, for not paying taxes.
The distributors were charged for violations of the National Internal Revenue Code, including unlawful possession of vape products without payment of excise tax under Section 263, tax evasion under Section 254 and failure to file excise tax returns under Section 255.
Lumagui estimates that the government is losing billions of pesos in revenue as illegal vape products proliferate.
He said more criminal cases are expected to be filed against illegal vape traders, as well as retailers, whether those with physical stores or in online platforms.
Celebrities and influencers working with illegal vape traders would not be spared from prosecution, Lumagui warned.
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