The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has released the results of a month-long nationwide enforcement campaign targeting fuel fraud, illegal vape products, sabong (cockfighting) operations, and Cash Register Machine/Point-of-Sale (CRM/POS) compliance. The findings were presented at the 2026 National Enforcement Command Center Reporting on September 3, 2026, at Revenue Region No. 8A in Makati City.
Key Results at a Glance
| Operation |
Highlights |
| Sabong crackdown |
11 cockpit arenas checked; 297 unpermitted, unregistered machines found |
| Illegal vape disposal |
240,550 products destroyed; ₱1.54 billion estimated tax liability |
| Fuel testing and marking |
421 stations tested; 164 failed and were closed; ₱20.04 million collected |
| CRM/POS post-evaluation |
7,685 establishments; 385 machines sealed; ₱25.11 million in penalties |
Sabong Crackdown: 297 Unpermitted Machines Uncovered
BIR teams examined 11 cockpit arenas across seven Revenue Regions in Metro Manila and South Luzon. They found 297 machines and devices operating without a Permit to Use and missing from the Bureau’s official records.
Illegal Vape Products: ₱1.54 Billion in Tax Liability
In Revenue Region No. 6 – City of Manila, the Bureau disposed of 240,550 illegal vape products with an estimated tax liability of ₱1.54 billion, preventing the goods from re-entering the market.
Fuel Testing and Marking: 164 Stations Shut Down
The Fuel Testing and Marking initiative covered seven Revenue Regions and 421 fuel stations. While 257 stations tested positive for fuel marking, 164 failed confirmatory tests and were closed. The operations generated ₱20.04 million in revenue, and 137 establishments were flagged for corrective marking.
CRM/POS Post-Evaluation: 385 Machines Sealed
From August 24 to 28, 2026, the nationwide CRM/POS Post-Evaluation assessed 7,685 establishments and 14,806 machines. It found 842 establishments with violations or inconsistencies, resulting in 385 sealed machines and ₱25.11 million in assessed penalties, of which ₱2.60 million has been collected.
Commissioner Mendoza: Enforcement as Deterrent
Enforcement is meant to deter deliberate violators, bring back those who fell short, and assure compliant taxpayers that evaders will not go unpunished.
Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza stressed that enforcement should be firm yet fair, conducted professionally and with respect for taxpayers’ rights.
What Happens Next
The BIR will continue follow-up inspections, along with ongoing seizure and forfeiture proceedings. Cases will be filed as warranted by evidence and law.
At the reporting, Regional Directors and Revenue District Officers raised field-level challenges and proposed improvements in policy, coordination, logistics, and execution. The event was attended by the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, Large Taxpayers Service officials, Regional Directors, and Revenue District Officers nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fuel stations did the BIR close?
164 of 421 tested stations failed confirmatory tests and were shut down.
What was the tax value of the disposed vapes?
An estimated ₱1.54 billion.
How can businesses stay compliant?
Register CRM/POS machines, secure a Permit to Use, and follow fuel marking rules.
——
Source: BIR Website
