MANILA – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said 63,139 vape products with an estimated total tax liability of PHP151.1 million were seized from three warehouses in Manila and Rizal province.
In a statement on Wednesday, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the warehouses with illicit vape products were raided by the BIR last March 27, 2024.
Lumagui said the perpetrators behind the three warehouses in Manila and Rizal will face criminal and civil charges under the National Internal Revenue Code.
"Register your vape businesses and we will help you. Pay the proper excise taxes on your vape products and we will help you. The raids and confiscation of vape businesses and products is the result of your non-registration and non-payment of excise taxes," Lumagui said.
"The BIR is here to help in the registration and proper payment of taxes of all vape businesses. We will guide you every step of the way," he added.
The BIR said it is prioritizing the enforcement of excise taxes against excisable goods such as that of vape products.
Last March 11, 2024, the BIR also seized 102,900 bottles of Flava vape products at a Laguna warehouse. (PNA)
