THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) intensified its campaign against illegal tobacco and vape operations by destroying 240,550 illicit vape products with an estimated tax liability of ₱1.539 billion on August 24, 2026.
The disposal took place at the DIGAMA Waste Management Facility in Porac, Pampanga, marking a major milestone in the tax agency’s ongoing enforcement strategy.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza emphasized that confiscating illegal goods is only the first phase of the agency’s broader mandate.
“Enforcement does not end with seizure. We must permanently remove illicit vape products from the market and hold accountable those behind their illegal manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale,” Mendoza stated.
The operation reflects a shift in strategy by Revenue Region No. 6 (City of Manila and Palawan). Regional Director Remir Macatangay noted that investigators have moved beyond small-scale operations to target large distribution hubs.
“We started with retail stores and expanded to warehouses,” Macatangay explained.
“This led to our operation against Tap Fog Philippines, the largest single illicit vape enforcement operation conducted by the BIR to date. Some of the products seized in that operation were among those destroyed today.”
BIR officials reaffirmed that the destruction of the contraband demonstrates the government’s resolve to safeguard tax revenues, maintain a fair playing field for tax-compliant businesses, and rid the market of illegal vape products.
