JTI Philippines has again been cited by the Bureau of Customs (BoC) as a top taxpayer, having paid a total of P323 million in import duties last year.

The local unit of Japan Tobacco International, which has 40 branches across the country, distributes the brands Winston, Camel and Mevius, and local brands Mighty and Marvels.

The firm was also recognized for supporting the efforts of BoC's Post Clearance Audit Group (PCAG) in promoting voluntary compliance among importers.

BoC-PCAG Assistant Commissioner Vincent Maronilla commended JTI Philippines and nine other port stakeholders from various industries for being 'an example to the industry where you belong' as well as 'proving that post-clearance works and showing the value of volunteerism.'

John Freda, JTI Philippines general manager, said the citation was another reaffirmation of the firm's continued support for the country's development goals, specifically in the area of revenue generation.

'We note that the top taxpayer award was made possible even amid the increasing challenge of the illegal tobacco trade which serves to cheat everyone in Filipino society,' Freda said.

He earlier lauded the BoC for its sustained efforts to combat the illicit tobacco trade as highlighted by the series of raids and seizures last year.

JTI Philippines received the same award last year during the agency's 120th founding anniversary. This year's award will be the firm's third consecutive Top Taxpayer Award since the pandemic broke out in 2020. TMT