Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has renewed his call for stronger government action against the smuggling of tobacco and vape products.
Gatchalian urged the Department of Finance and Bureau of Customs to intensify efforts amid reports linking vape use among the youth to serious health risks.
He warned that many young Filipinos are becoming addicted to vape products because smuggled items are cheap and easily accessible.
The senator cited reports estimating government revenue losses from illicit tobacco trade at around P141 billion in 2024 and 2025.
According to Gatchalian, smuggling not only hurts government revenues but also fuels corruption, weakens the rule of law, and harms legitimate businesses.IMT
