The Philippine Tobacco Institute, the organization of registered manufacturers of cigarettes and tobacco products, said Monday it pegged the minimum price of cigarettes at P82.49 per pack of 20 sticks in a bid to eradicate smuggling and illegal selling.
PTI issued the advisory relating to Bureau of Internal Revenue revenue memorandum circular 79-2022 issued on June 10, 2022. The advisory provides regulations on the sale of tobacco products in the country.
The advisory also said only BIR-registered cigarettes listed under BIR RMC no. 79-2022 may be legally sold in the Philippines.
It stressed the need for cigarette brands to include the mandatory graphic health warnings with text in Tagalog in front and English at the back; and the tarsier or vinta design tax stamps required as proof of tax payment.
The PTI advisory listed the fines that could be imposed on tobacco manufacturers, distributors and sellers for violating said provisions. Fines of up to P500,000 and imprisonment of up to six years for violators on the minimum price of cigarettes; P200,000 to up to five years of imprisonment for violation on graphic health warnings; and fine of up of P1 million to eight years of imprisonment of tax stamps.