INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun expressed his support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to intensify efforts against the smuggling of tobacco and vape products, as he called on concerned government agencies to help address the matter.
In a statement, Khonghun stressed the importance of protecting public health and upholding the rule of law as he urged the Departments of Finance (DOF) and Trade and Industry (DTI) “point out” the effect of smuggling the government’s economic gains.
READ: Marcos orders BOC, BIR to bolster anti-smuggling efforts vs illegal tobacco, vape
“It is crucial that we address and end the rampant smuggling of tobacco and vape products, which not only poses health hazards to our citizens but also undermines the efforts of legitimate businesses and deprives the government of much-needed revenue,” the lawmaker, a member of the so-called House Young Guns, said.
“Smuggling in general is not only economic issues but also forms of subversion that encourage lawlessness, promote syndicated crimes, and erode economic gains,” he added.
Khonghun made the call as he emphasized “the need for a comprehensive approach that involves close cooperation between government agencies, law enforcement, and other stakeholders.”
Last Wednesday, Marcos highlighted the need to boost the enforcement against anti-smuggling, during the 6th Private Sector Advisory Council-Agriculture Sector Group (PSAC-ASG) meeting in Malacañang.
Following his directive, Special Assistant to the President on Economic and Economic Affairs Frederick Go said, “the DTI Consumer Protection Group has assured him that they will assign a significant number of people to monitor the vape industry.”
Under the directive, the advisory body is seeking the release of funds from the Department of Budget and Management pursuant to the Republic Act No. 4155 for the National Tobacco Authority Sustainable Tobacco Enhancement Program (STEP).
The body also sought amendments to the Anti-Agri Smuggling Act of 2016 to include tobacco products and wants provisions on minimum retail price and penalties for distributing and selling smuggled products.
Moreover, it also urged the DTI to impose a deadline for importers and manufacturers to register and the BIR to impose taxes and requirements on the said products.