A top official from the Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has advocated for imposing significantly higher excise taxes on vape products compared to traditional cigarettes. During a Senate Committee on Ways and Means hearing, BIR Assistant Commissioner Jethro Sabariaga argued that while cigarettes and heated-tobacco products could be taxed similarly, vape products warrant a much steeper levy.
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Senator Gatchalian pushes higher vape/tobacco taxes to curb youth use & smuggling, while health advocates oppose HB 11360’s broader impact.
Read moreThe Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines is optimistic that the implementation of vape stamps will help narrow the excise tax gap in 2025. BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui highlighted this strategy as a response to changing consumer preferences and challenges in tax collection.
Read moreThe Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has taken a significant step towards regulating the online sale of vapor products and novel tobacco items. On April 1, 2025, the DTI issued Department Administrative Order No. 25-04, mandating stringent age verification measures for all digital platforms selling these products. This move comes as part of the government’s efforts to prevent minors from accessing potentially harmful substances while balancing the needs of adult consumers and businesses in the digital marketplace.
Read moreThe Philippines Department of Health (DOH) leadership strongly reaffirmed the agency’s opposition to tobacco and vape products during a meeting with health advocates on Thursday, April 10th. DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa and Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo met with representatives from HealthJustice Philippines to discuss the nation’s commitment to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
Read morePhilippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally led the public destruction of nearly 3 million pieces of smuggled electronic cigarettes and vaping accessories in Manila on Monday, April 7th. The seized goods, valued at approximately P3.26 billion (Philippine Pesos, about $56.8M), were disposed of at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) facility in South Harbor, signaling the administration’s firm stance against illicit trade.
Read moreThe Philippines has been steadily increasing excise taxes on tobacco products in recent years, with the latest adjustments taking effect on March 22, 2025. These tax hikes are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to discourage smoking and raise revenue for the country’s universal healthcare program.
Read moreThe Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has taken a firm stance against misleading social media posts by vape companies FLARE and SHFT, highlighting serious regulatory compliance issues in the Philippine vaping industry.
Read moreThe Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) is intensifying its efforts to enforce the city’s Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance, ensuring stricter compliance in public areas, streets, and schools. The ordinance also bans tobacco advertising, promotions, and sponsorships within the city.
Read moreThe Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines has announced a new set of rules and requirements aimed at combating the illegal trade of vape products, ensuring consumer safety, and streamlining import procedures. The agency is seeking public and stakeholder input on the draft Department Administrative Order (DAO), which amends the documentary requirements for obtaining a Statement of Confirmation (SOC) for product importers.
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