The Bureau of the Internal Revenue (BIR) is fortifying cases against fraudulent receipt manufacturers and illegal cigarette traders.
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, Jr. said the bureau has not let up on its campaign against unscrupulous entities, and should soon file “voluminous cases” against fraudulent receipt and illegal cigarette traders.
Lumagui said BIR operations against fraudulent receipt and illicit cigarette syndicates continue unabated, saying he “has been a supporter of bold tax enforcement activities.”
“When we go against tax evader,” Lumagui told the BIR legal group, “I’m with you in running after the tax evaders. Just let us know the difficulties that you are encountering and we will give all the support that you need.”
To recall, the BIR raided a syndicate selling fraudulent receipts last December in Quezon City. Lumagui also led the first simultaneous nationwide trade enforcements against illicit cigarette trade.
In January, the BIR swooped down on 21 provinces, 69 cities and municipalities nationwide, specifically wholesalers and retailers who were selling illicit cigarettes and confiscated millions worth of cigarettes that were untaxed, fake and smuggled.
According to the BIR, the government loses P50 to P100 billion in tax revenues from the illicit tobacco trade, which are funds intended to underwrite basic services including the Universal Health Care program and other national development goals.
“Let me make this clear to you illegal traders. This is just the beginning of our simultaneous nationwide operations. We are serious in our crackdown against illicit cigarette trade. We will be strict on implementing the law from hereon,” Lumagui said.
