THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday filed 69 tax evasion cases against illicit cigarette traders before the Department of Justice.
The traders, who were apprehended during a nationwide operation in January, reportedly cost the government some P1.8 billion in revenue losses.
“This is a warning against all illicit traders,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui said. “The BIR will not only raid your stores and warehouses, we will also file criminal cases against you.”
“The BIR protects the Philippine economy by leveling the playing field,” he added. “Everybody has to pay taxes.”
All BIR revenue regions participated in the nationwide raid as the bureau considers contraband cigarettes a national priority.
Lumagui said more raids would be conducted and more cases filed against enterprises suspected of selling contraband goods.
“Traders of cigarettes, vape, petroleum and other goods subject to taxes have to register with the BIR and pay their taxes,” he said. “Failure to do so would force us to raid your stores and file criminal cases against you.”
“We are in constant surveillance of your businesses. Not only will you have to pay your taxes with penalties and surcharges, but you will also lose your freedom.”
Source: The Manila Times
By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo May 26, 2023