2 lawmakers probed over illegal cigarette factories

Two unnamed congressmen are reportedly being investigated for alleged links to illegal cigarette operations in Central Luzon, raising concerns over the scale of smuggling and counterfeit activities in the region.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the lawmakers are allegedly involved in the logistics and protection of factories producing counterfeit cigarettes.

Authorities have uncovered operations in Pampanga, including San Simon and San Fernando, with suspicions of additional facilities in Nueva Ecija and parts of Mindanao.

Investigators found that Chinese nationals were operating the factories, which produced counterfeit versions of popular brands such as Mighty, Playboy and Two Moon.

Each facility is capable of generating up to P150 million daily, with government excise tax losses estimated at P3.6 billion annually per factory. Authorities also seized fake Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps and uncovered sophisticated packaging systems.

Remulla said raids conducted on 29 January led to the closure of four factories and 200 stores. Workers fled the sites, leaving equipment behind.

“This operation harms legitimate businesses and contributes to underage smoking due to cheap cigarettes sold at P60 per pack,” he said.

Authorities are awaiting sworn statements and additional evidence before filing charges. The alleged roles of the two congressmen remain under investigation.

The government urged the public to report illegal cigarette vendors and warned that violations of tax and anti-smuggling laws are non-bailable offenses.