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x1 gaming Clamor for passage of Anti-Illicit Trade bill snowballs
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MANILA, Philippines – The immediate passage of House Bill No. 11279 to address the worsening illicit cigarette trade problem, which is causing billions in revenue loss, has gained more support from lawmakers who recognize the “undeniable harm” it brings to the economy and public health.
“We need to fast-track the passage of HB 11279, which seeks to curb illicit trade and recover government revenues. We know that illicit trade threatens peace and order. The proceeds of illicit trade have been shown to fund terrorism and organized crime. Smuggled cigarettes equate to big money, and it’s an attractive fundraiser for notorious actors. Congress should act now—we don’t have the luxury of time,” said House Committee on Dangerous Drugs Chair Robert Ace Barbers.
Article continues after this advertisementEarlier, Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan of the 2nd District of Ilocos Sur said, “We are looking forward to the upcoming discussions on HB 11279 in the House Ways and Means Committee. The stakes are high, and every delay in advancing this bill allows illicit traders to continue exploiting loopholes and depriving our nation of much-needed revenue.”
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Law enforcers save child from hostage taker in Taytay, Rizal NEWSINFO Project Dalisay, Sereno hit for irresponsible arrogance NEWSINFO Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro has new commanderIlocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba, a co-author of the bill, said, “This measure would bring them (illicit traders) to their knees because it will cut off their avenues for smuggling. The government is closing in, and their grip on the market is slipping.”
READ: Gatchalian warns illicit cigarette trade is undoing health gains
Article continues after this advertisementCo-sponsors of the bill include Deputy Speaker and Isabela 1st District Rep. Antonio Albano, Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo, Ifugao Lone District Rep. Solomon Chungalao, and PBA Party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles-Almario.
Article continues after this advertisementReferring to the rise in illicit cigarette trade prevalence, Barbers said it “needs to be addressed now to prevent further losses in government revenue. Excise tax funds are meant to benefit the people, not to line the pockets of illicit traders. We cannot and will not allow this evil activity to continue.”
Article continues after this advertisementAccording to Bureau of Internal Revenue data, tobacco excise tax collections suffered a yearly decline from P176 billion in 2021 to P160 billion in 2022 and P135 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute reported that adult smoking prevalence rose from 19% in 2021 to 24.4% in 2023.
Barbers said House Bill 11279 precisely aims to tackle this problem directly. He stated, “A thorough review in Congress ensures we have a potent law to address and hopefully put an end to this criminal activity.”
Article continues after this advertisementBarbers, who represents the 2nd District of Surigao del Sur, also noted that illicit cigarette trade has been steadily increasing since 2021, “causing undeniable harm to the economy, public health, and society. It has also now evolved as a source of funds for terrorism linked to various criminal activities.”
Experts have previously warned that the illicit cigarette trade’s link to terrorism may lead to a potential national security crisis.
Top regional security expert Prof. Rohan Gunaratna said during his presentation at a security conference in Manila last June 2024 that terrorist groups, including Abu Sayyaf and rebel groups, were among the beneficiaries of illicit trade. He also revealed that smugglers used Palawan, Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi as entry points for illicit cigarettes from Indonesia and Malaysia.
Bureau of Customs (BOC) Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy, during a Senate Ways and Means Committee hearing, pointed out that the Philippines’ porous borders, particularly in the southern region of Mindanao, facilitate smuggling. He confirmed that illicit cigarettes are frequently found in Abu Sayyaf camps, suggesting links between smuggling and terrorism.
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Meehan, one of the bill’s authors, warned, however, “that certain groups are spreading misleading information to undermine the intent of the bill, which is to stop the spread of illicit trade and boost revenue collections.”
MPH, the healthcare arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), said in a statement on Thursday that the 100-bed SFDH was its 25th hospital in the country and sixth in Mindanao.
jokerscm slots“In principle, [the fund] is already approved. We are looking for the funding source. There are several options … but I cannot disclose details about it yet because I am not surex1 gaming,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told reporters in a mix of Filipino and English.
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