The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on second reading House Bill 3917, which classifies the smuggling of tobacco, whether manufactured or unmanufactured, as large-scale smuggling or economic sabotage.
The measure, approved via voice vote during Tuesday’s plenary session, amends the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 as well as Sections 2530 and 2531 of Republic Act No. 193 or the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.
On the other hand, the measure defines unmanufactured tobacco as agricultural components derived from the tobacco plant which are processed for use in the manufacturing of cigarettes and other tobacco products. “Thus, there is an urgent need to combat large-scale tobacco smuggling by imposing more stringent penalties and deter the entry and sale of illegal tobacco in the Philippines. This bill seeks to include tobacco, both in its raw form or as finished products, as among the agricultural commodities the illegal importation of which can be classified as constituting economic sabotage,” it added.
“Aside from directing concerned agencies to strictly implement existing laws, legislators should also enact laws to plug loopholes to control illegal tobacco. If the entry and sale of smuggled cigarettes continues unrestricted, the national government stands to lose even more revenues,” the explanatory note on the measure stated.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
House approves on 2nd reading bill on coverage of fixed three-year term for military officialsA bill seeking to limit the coverage of a three-year fixed term to four high-ranking military officials has been filed in the House of Representatives.
Read more »
House bill declaring tobacco smuggling as 'economic sabotage' OK'd on 2nd readingA measure seeking to declare as “economic sabotage” the smuggling of tobacco products into the country has been approved on second reading in the House of Representatives.
Read more »
House OKs on 2nd reading bill removing unpaid dues of CARP beneficiariesThe House of Representatives on Monday approved on second reading a measure writing off unpaid amortization and other tax dues of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) stemming from the land they got under the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
Read more »
Globe records 2nd highest mobile business revenuesGlobe Telecom Inc.’s mobile business hauled in ₱80.6 billion revenues as of end-September this year, its second highest on record, after its 2019 pre-pandemic figures.
Read more »
Justin Brownlee's naturalization approved by Senate on 2nd readingThe Senate on Monday approved on second reading a proposed bill seeking to grant Filipino citizenship to American basketball player Justin Donta Brownlee.
Read more »
UP wins 2nd straight UAAP athletics crownUniversity of the Philippines captured back-to-back men’s titles after taking care of business with two golds on the final day
Read more »