DA, other agencies to tackle illicit tobacco trade in summit

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) and other key government agencies are set to join an international summit aimed at combating the proliferation of illegal tobacco and nicotine products in the country.

The third International Tobacco Summit, themed “Leveraging Growth, Securing Futures: Enhancing Livelihood and Revenue against Illicit Trade,” will take place on June 18 at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila in Pasig City.

READ: Stronger enforcement vs illicit cigarette trade urged

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Other agencies expected to join include the National Tobacco Administration (NTA), Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Customs, and the Department of Justice, along with other regulators, enforcement agencies, and international experts.

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In a statement, the DA and the NTA said the event would support government efforts to address the ongoing economic and revenue challenges posed by illicit tobacco trade in the country.

Citing a recent study from the European Union–Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Business Council and Euromonitor International, the DA said the Philippines lost an estimated P141 billion in government revenue to the illicit tobacco trade between 2024 and 2025.

Of this total, approximately P118.1 billion was lost to illicit cigarettes and P22.9 billion to illegal e-vapor products.

The same report also showed that 85.6 percent of e-vapes sold in the Philippines were illicit and is seen as the highest share of illegal vape products among Southeast Asian countries.

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The DA and the NTA pointed out that beyond revenue losses, illicit tobacco trade undermines legitimate agricultural livelihoods, weakens compliance with regulations, and erodes fair competition in the market.

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“Illicit tobacco trade is not only stealing revenues from the government—it is stealing livelihood, opportunity, and the future of our tobacco-growing communities,” NTA Administrator and CEO Belinda Sanchez said.

“This summit is about uniting government and stakeholders behind one clear message: we will protect legitimate farmers, defend lawful trade, and hold illicit operators accountable,” she added.

A ceremonial signing of a joint commitment, where top officials from key government agencies will formally pledge to align their strategies against illicit trade, is also set to be held during the summit.

Government agencies, along with experts and international partners, are also expected to address major gaps in taxation, enforcement, regulations, and convictions.

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It will also provide a platform to discuss how enhanced regional cooperation, particularly among Asean member states, can support more effective information sharing, enforcement coordination, and alignment of approaches in addressing cross-border illicit trade. /mcm