MANILA—The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. issued a reminder on Thursday to celebrities, influencers, and endorsers involved in the recent Philippine Vape Festival 2024, urging them to be cautious about the vape products they promote. This follows a raid conducted by the BIR’s Illicit Trade Task Force at the festival on August 18, where 5,385 illicit vape products without internal revenue stamps were confiscated.
According to Philippines News Agency, the festival was heavily promoted by various celebrities and influencers through social media. He emphasized that these public figures should ensure the products they endorse comply with taxation laws to protect the safety of Filipinos. Lumagui also held the festival organizers and stall owners accountable for failing to verify the compliance of vape products displayed at the event. He stressed the importance of fair competition in the vape industry, calling on all involved to pay their taxes and adhere to legal standards.