Congressmen Allegedly Financing Illegal Cigarette Operation in Central Luzon
PNP – The Philippine National Police has pledged to pursue the key individuals behind an illegal cigarette factory uncovered in Mexico, Pampanga.
Authorities are now focusing on two congressmen from Central Luzon who are believed to have funded and provided protection for the smuggling operation. PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that investigators are following the financial trail and gathering other crucial evidence that could link these politicians to the illicit activities.
The factory, raided on January 28 by the PNP, the Bureau of Customs, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), operated three machines capable of producing P150 million worth of cigarettes daily. The operation is estimated to have cost the government P4.5 billion in just one month. During the raid, six Chinese nationals managing the factory were arrested, while 65 Filipino workers were rescued after being forced to work without pay.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla had previously stated that the two congressmen from Central Luzon allegedly funded and protected the illegal factory. The PNP emphasized that tracing the financial records is essential to holding all involved parties accountable, particularly the influential figures who may have enabled or benefited from the smuggling.
Meanwhile, if the two congressmen are proven to be involved in the illegal cigarette operation in Pampanga, they could face criminal charges such as smuggling, tax evasion, and human trafficking, which may result in fines, imprisonment, and seizure of assets. Politically, they could be suspended, expelled from Congress, or disqualified from holding office, while the Sandiganbayan may investigate them for corruption.
They may also be required to pay back lost taxes and government penalties, and any ill-gotten wealth could be confiscated. Beyond legal and financial consequences, their reputation and political career would be severely damaged, and public pressure could force them to resign even before a conviction.