A RECENT raid on an illicit cigarette manufacturing operation has led to the discovery of an estimated P636.9 million in unpaid taxes and penalties, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said on Tuesday.
Tax chief Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the raid, conducted in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation, was part of a continuing government campaign.
The factory in Cabanatuan City was said to be hidden behind a gasoline station and accessible only through multiple gates. The site, which appeared to be a rest house, was also equipped with a bunker and a firing range.
“The place was also unsanitary because the raw tobacco being used in the manufacturing of the illicit cigarettes was merely placed on the floor where dirt and dust accumulated due to the unhygienic standards of the factory,” Lumagui said.
Authorities discovered machinery, counterfeit tax stamps and raw tobacco. Fifteen Chinese were apprehended.
Lumagui said the raid was a warning, adding that the “BIR will continue to raid large-scale illicit cigarette warehouses, traders and manufacturers.”
“This P636-million raid in Cabanatuan City of an illicit cigarette factory shows our commitment to a fair and equal marketplace in our country. Expect more raids,” he continued.
The BIR is readying the filing of charges over violations of the National Internal Revenue Code, including unlawful possession of excise-taxed items, evasion of tax payments, failure to file accurate tax returns and the operation of an unregistered facility.
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