Gatchalian questions low conviction rate for tobacco smuggling

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed concern over the low conviction rate for tobacco smuggling cases in the Philippines, noting that out of 1,296 seizures from 2018 to early 2025, only two resulted in convictions.

Gatchalian highlighted that out of these seizures, only 64 cases have been filed, 14 are pending with prosecutors, and eight are before the courts.

He stated that less than one percent of the seizures actually lead to a decision and conviction, questioning if some raids are merely for show.

BOC Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla stated that multiple raids might have been consolidated into the 64 cases filed and promised to submit further data to the committee.