LOCAL officials have raised concerns over the proliferation of smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes, warning that the illegal trade undermines public health, targets children, and erodes years of progress in tobacco control.
The Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) under the Office of the City Mayor urged national law enforcement agencies to step up their operations against the entry and sale of illicit tobacco products, which continue to surface in public markets.
“Marami nagbebenta sa mga palengke, especially Bankerohan at Agdao, nasa mga bangketa lang doon,” said Ret. Col. Jay Francia, chief of the VRU.
Francia explained that while the VRU is tasked with enforcing the city’s Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance (No. 0472-24) and Comprehensive Liquor Code (No. 0489-24), its mandate does not directly cover smuggling operations.
“Hindi sakop ng VRU ang mga smuggled cigarettes, unless nagbebenta 100 meters from school at actual na nagbenta sa mga menor de edad,” Francia said. “Ang PNP (Philippine National Police) at Bureau of Customs ang primary na naga-enforce.”
He called on these agencies to scale up their actions: “Intensify police and Bureau of Customs operations against entry of smuggled cigarettes.”
Councilor Rachel Zozobrado likewise warned that the spread of cheap and unregulated products is making tobacco more accessible to minors and young adults. While legal cigarettes retail for ₱120 per pack, illicit products can be purchased for as low as ₱40 to ₱60, and in some cases ₱2.50 per stick.
Data shows that one in every five cigarettes sold in the Philippines is untaxed and unregulated. This has resulted in government tobacco excise revenues dropping from ₱176 billion in 2021 to ₱134 billion in 2024 — funds that could have supported hospitals, medicines, and public health programs.
It is worse in Davao City, where an estimated 50% of cigarettes sold to consumers come from illegal sources.
Consumers are also duped into buying substandard and more dangerous products since studies have shown that smuggled and illegally manufactured cigarettes have dangerous chemicals such as cadmium, lead, as well as contaminants like insect parts, rat droppings, and even human waste, given the absence of quality control.
Zozobrado has filed a motion calling for a legislative inquiry into the extent of illicit cigarette sales in Davao City and for stronger enforcement measures to protect public health and safeguard Davaoeños.
