BIR-CV flags 14 gas stations on failed fuel testing

Fourteen out of 23 gasoline stations tested in Central Visayas (CV) failed field inspections during an expanded fuel marking operation conducted by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), tax officials reported.

BIR Revenue Region No. 13 regional director Douglas Rufino disclosed that the regional office collected P2.4 million in total assessments and penalties during the operations through 15 October 2026.

The enforcement initiative covered multiple revenue district offices across Cebu and Bohol. Revenue District Office (RDO) 80 in Mandaue City inspected three stations and collected P400,492, while RDO 81 in Cebu City North operated on three stations and collected P788,775.

RDO 82 in Cebu City South covered four stations and collected P361,411, while RDO 83 in Talisay City collected P730,962 from two stations. In Bohol, RDO 84 operated on two stations, collecting P122,726.

The remaining nine gasoline stations passed the field testing. Independent third-party verification and laboratory testing were conducted by SGS Philippines.

BIR commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza stated that the bureau will continue tracing fuel sources tied to failed station-level tests and conduct further verification at bulk fuel depots.

However, he clarified that identifying a fuel source linked to a failed station test does not automatically establish supplier non-compliance.

“We will pursue these findings thoroughly, but we must also be fair in our enforcement. Any finding of non-compliance must be supported by proper verification,” Mendoza said.

The operations form part of the BIR DARES reform agenda focused on revenue collection and base protection, aiming to curb illicit fuel trade and protect compliant businesses.

There are 1,226 registered gasoline stations across the region, comprising 810 in Cebu province and 416 in Bohol province.