Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. led a raid on the Philippine Vape Festival 2024 in Las Piñas City on Aug. 18, confiscating 5,385 illicit vape products.
Lumagui said the raid was based on surveillance by the BIR Illicit Trade Task Force during the festival’s opening day. All vape products displayed and offered for sale lacked internal revenue stamps.
He said that with the help of Las Piñas police, the BIR-ITTF conducted the Sunday raid after confirming the products were illicit.
“Whether it’s a Sunday or a festival, the BIR will search places with illegal vapes,” Lumagui said.
The Philippine Vape Festival 2024 was scheduled to hold a “Compliance Summit” to discuss “current regulation and policy changes.” However, BIR operatives had already conducted covert surveillance under orders from the commissioner and other Palace officials.
Lumagui said the surveillance revealed that many illicit vape businesses were defrauding traders and consumers by falsely claiming their products were compliant.
“This Philippine Vape Festival 2024 boasted about having a ‘Compliance Summit.’ But when we raided the festival, we immediately saw that the vapes had no internal revenue stamps. To vape sellers, don’t fool the public by pretending to be compliant. It’s clear you’re not following even the basic requirement of an internal revenue stamp,” Lumagui said.
Authorities found illicit vape products at three stalls and three delivery vans. Possible violations include sections 144, 106, 146, 248B, 249B, and 263 of the National Internal Revenue Code.
“This is a warning to celebrities, influencers and endorsers of illicit vape products. Don’t associate yourselves with these individuals or companies, including those involved in organizing the Philippine Vape Festival 2024. You’re helping these illicit vape traders sell illegal products,” Lumagui said.
