The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) has urged local government units to strengthen efforts against cigarette smuggling, saying the illegal trade costs the country billions of pesos each year.
In a statement, the NTA said smuggled cigarettes not only reduce government revenue but also threaten the livelihoods of about 2.2 million people working in the legal tobacco industry.
Data from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) show that the government loses around P40 billion to P52 billion annually due to untaxed and smuggled cigarettes.
Authorities recently seized P6.46 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes hidden inside a cement mixer truck at a checkpoint in Matanog.
The NTA is calling on local officials to monitor and report illegal cigarette sales in their areas as part of a wider crackdown.
NTA Administrator Belinda Sanchez said the illegal trade affects government funds, public health, and farmers’ incomes. Smuggled cigarettes are often sold much cheaper—around P2 to P4 per stick—compared to about P8 for legal products.
The agency is working with the Philippine National Police, its special units, the Bureau of Customs, and the BIR to stop smuggling operations and identify those behind them.
In the last quarter of 2025 alone, the PNP Highway Patrol Group seized nearly P3 billion worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
Authorities also noted that while smuggling was once concentrated in Mindanao, it has now spread to Luzon.
Under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act of 2024, large-scale smuggling is considered economic sabotage and can lead to life imprisonment and heavy fines. Retailers selling illegal cigarettes may face jail time and penalties.
The NTA reminded the public that smuggled cigarettes often lack required health warnings and may contain harmful substances.
