Revenue target exceeded

The Philippines collected PHP8.1 billion ($156.9 million) in tobacco excise taxes during the first half of 2019, 32.8 percent more than the government’s target, reports The Philippine Star.

The Department of Finance attributed to better-than-expected collections to improved compliance as the government continues to crack down on illicit tobacco trade.

In July 2018, the Philippine government increased the excise tax on tobacco products.