Stiffer sanctions on cigarette smuggling to boost revenues

The impending enactment of a law that would slap more penalties and make cigarette smuggling a non-bailable offense is seen plugging massive losses of the government as illicit tobacco trade continues to grow at alarming levels.

- LOUISE MAUREEN SIMEON

The local unit of tobacco product manufacturer Japan Tobacco International (JTI) said it is now anticipating the signing of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Bill by President Marcos.

This as both houses of Congress recently ratified the bill and is up for transmission to the Office of the President.

JTI Philippines general manager John Freda said the enactment of the bill would send a strong message to smugglers of the government's commitment to address the worsening problem of illicit tobacco trade.