MANILA — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced on Thursday that authorities are looking into two legislators in northern Luzon for allegedly being involved in the illicit production of cigarettes, but he did not identify them.

After a raid on a warehouse in Mexico, Pampanga, where police discovered cigarettes, cigarette-making equipment, and tax stamps, Remulla made the disclosure.

He claimed that the two politicians, whom he referred to as “congressmen” from Luzon, are in charge of the “entire ecosystem” of illicit tobacco.

Additionally, authorities are confirming intelligence claims that the Philippines has about ten more illegal cigarette production facilities.

He clarified that the increase in illicit manufacture was a result of higher tobacco excise charges.

According to government data, illicit tobacco sales cost the government over P30 billion in 2024. These proceeds were meant to pay for public health initiatives.

Remulla said, “Ito ay economic sabotage sa Pilipinas kaya dapat matigil na”

Over P10 billion worth of illicit cigarettes, machinery, and related equipment have been seized by authorities since December, along with fines.

Remulla assured the public that efforts are being made by authorities to stop operators from establishing themselves elsewhere.

The producers of illicit cigarettes, he continued, bury discarded and flawed products in the ground, which he claimed fuels a criminal “ecosystem” that includes “from human trafficking to illegal manufacturing to environmental violations.”

Authorities have not yet named the politicians publicly, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the need to avoid compromising law enforcement activities.

Insiders say that evidence gathered includes financial transactions, intercepted communications, and testimonies from whistleblowers within the tobacco industry.

If found guilty, the suspects could face multiple charges, including tax evasion, smuggling, and possibly graft and corruption.

The allegations have stirred political debates in the region, with some local officials calling for swift and impartial investigations.

Meanwhile, Remulla assured the public that the crackdown on illicit tobacco trade would continue nationwide, stressing that corruption and illegal activities would not be tolerated at any level.