BIR files complaint vs. alleged illegal vape traders

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Tuesday filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) complaints of tax evasion and unlawful possession against alleged illegal vape traders.

Named respondents are Wei Fong Bao, also known as Sofi Chua, Christina Poa, Sandoval Severino Briones, Jimy Go, and Bibiano Lesaca.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the complaint stemmed from the raid conducted by the BIR in Tondo, Manila in November.

“Ang total na assessment natin, including penalties and charges, ay umaabot ng P1.2 billion ang violation nila dito,” he said in an ambush interview.

Lumagui said they will pursue all illegal traders and big-time smugglers.

“[G]usto natin na ang hahabulin natin ay— ‘yung sisiguraduhin natin na lahat ng malalaking illegal traders at mga big time smugglers, ‘yan ang hahabulin natin at seryoso tayo sa kampanyang ito,” he said.

(We want to pursue, and we will ensure that all big illegal traders and big-time smugglers will be pursued, and we are serious in this campaign.)

He also urged businesses with vape products and cigarettes to get registered.

“Otherwise, considered illegal siya at subject to confiscation ‘yan at puwede pa kayong makulong. Kaya po siguraduhin natin na nakarehistro kayo at magbayad ng tamang buwis,” he said.

(Otherwise, it is considered illegal and it will be subject to confiscation and you may go to jail. So please ensure that you are registered and you are paying your taxes.) —KG, GMA Integrated News