THE Philippines is estimated to be losing P26 billion in revenues per year due to the illicit tobacco trade, House Ways and Means Committee Technical Working Group chair Rep. Jericho “Koko” Nograles said an estimate that was about eight times more than official estimates averaging over P3 billion. This amount could…
(PIXABAY / FILE PHOTO)
Lawmakers have found out that GB Global Exprez Inc. and GB-BEM Cigarette Company Inc., both operating inside economic zones, persisted with their manufacturing operations despite PEZA’s suspension order last February.
At the meeting of the House Ways and Means Committee Technical Working Group (TWG) chaired by Party-list Rep. Jericho Jonas “Koko” Nograles on April 20, committee members said they have received reports that the two companies remain operational producing 8389 brand cigarettes.
The TWG is working on addressing the loopholes in the system of the importation and exportation of tobacco products which, according to Nograles, are being abused by cigarettes manufacturers located in economic zones.