The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) has issued a warning that the livelihoods of over 2.2 million tobacco farmers, workers, and their families are at risk due to the ongoing proliferation of the illicit cigarette trade in the country.
According to the NTA, smuggled and untaxed cigarettes not only affect government revenue but also impact communities that depend on the tobacco industry for their livelihood.
During the Third International Tobacco Summit 2026, officials stated that the government loses an estimated P40 billion to P52 billion annually due to illegal cigarettes. They emphasized that these funds could have been used for public services, infrastructure, and other government programs.
Summit participants called for stricter coordination among government agencies such as the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Philippine National Police, Department of Justice, and local government units to curb smuggling and other illegal activities.
Experts also highlighted the importance of collaboration with other Southeast Asian countries, as billions of dollars in revenue are lost annually in the region due to the illegal tobacco trade.
Meanwhile, the use of advanced technologies is being studied to monitor the movement of tobacco products and prevent illegal cigarettes from entering the market.
