BIR isinampa P8.7 bilyong tax evasion vs illegal vape traders

MANILA, Philippines — Kinasuhan ng Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ng P8.7 bilyong tax evasion cases ang large-scale illicit vape businesses sa Department of Justice (DOJ) kahapon.

Ayon kay BIR commissioner Romeo Lu­magui, Jr. kinasuhan ang mga kompanya na may brand names na Flava, Denkat at Flare dahil sa hindi umano pagbabayad ng P8.7 bilyong buwis.

“Today, the BIR has filed criminal cases for tax evasion against large-scale illicit vape businesses. They have failed to pay 8.7 Billion pesos in taxes. We have warned all those who want to enter the vape industry to register with the BIR and pay proper taxes. This is what happens when you keep violating our tax laws.” pahayag ni Lumagui.

Kabilang sa mga cri­minal charges ang unlawful possession of vape products nang hindi pagbabayad sa excise tax na nakasaad sa Section 263, tax evasion na nasa ilalim ng Section 254, failure to file excise tax returns sa Section 255. Lahat ng ito ay paglabag sa National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.

“Expect more criminal cases to be filed against illicit vape tra­ders. Whether your business is large or small, as long you sell illicit vape, you will be imprisoned. Celebrities and influencers found to be in conspiracy with illicit vape traders will also be imprisoned. Illicit vape ends now,” pahayag ni Lumagui.

Ayon kay Lumagui, ang pagsasampa ng kaso ay bahagi ng pi­naigting na kampanya ng gobyerno laban sa iligal na vape business.

Ipinayo ni Lumagui sa mga promoters at advertisers ng vape products na maging res­ponsable at tumalima sa batas para makaiwas sa kaso.