Gatchalian calls for penalties against officials mishandling cigarette smuggling cases

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian called for administrative penalties against government officials involved in dismissing cigarette smuggling cases due to technicalities.

Gatchalian noted that two recent court cases filed against smugglers were dismissed because of procedural errors, highlighting the need for better preparation before operations.

The senator emphasized the importance of adhering to standard operating procedures by BIR and BOC officials to prevent case dismissals on technical grounds.

Saturnino Distor, president of the Philippine Tobacco Growers Association, suggested appointing a 'tobacco czar' who can enforce anti-smuggling laws and support tobacco farmers.

Distor stressed that this individual should be capable of confronting smuggling groups and implementing programs to benefit local growers.

Due to rampant cigarette smuggling, many tobacco farmers are losing faith in the industry as a reliable source of income.

Gatchalian's proposal aims to deter negligence by imposing appropriate sanctions on officials who repeatedly fail to follow proper procedures.