Section 125. Amusement Taxes. – There shall be collected from the proprietor, lessee or operator of cockpits, cabarets, night or day clubs, boxing exhibitions, professional basketball games, Jai-Alai and racetracks, a tax equivalent to:

(a) Eighteen percent (18%) in the case of cockpits;

(b) Eighteen percent (18%) in the case of cabarets, night or day clubs;

(c) Ten percent (10%) in the case of boxing exhibitions: Provided, however, That boxing exhibitions wherein World or Oriental Championships in any division is at stake shall be exempt from amusement tax: Provided, further, That at least one of the contenders for World or Oriental Championship is a citizen of the Philippines and said exhibitions are promoted by a citizen/s of the Philippines or by a corporation or association at least sixty percent (60%) of the capital of which is owned by such citizens;

(d) Fifteen percent (15%) in the case of professional basketball games as envisioned in Presidential Decree No. 871: Provided, however, That the tax herein shall be in lieu of all other percentage taxes of whatever nature and description; and

(e) Thirty percent (30%) in the case of Jai-Alai and racetracks of their gross receipts, irrespective, of whether or not any amount is charged for admission.

For the purpose of the amusement tax, the term “gross receipts” embraces all the receipts of the proprietor, lessee or operator of the amusement place. Said gross receipts also include income from television, radio and motion picture rights, if any. A person or entity or association conducting any activity subject to the tax herein imposed shall be similarly liable for said tax with respect to such portion of the receipts derived by him or it.

The taxes imposed herein shall be payable at the end of each quarter and it shall be the duty of the proprietor, lessee or operator concerned, as well as any party liable, within twenty (20) days after the end of each quarter, to make a true and complete return of the amount of the gross receipts derived during the preceding quarter and pay the tax due thereon.

Section 126. Tax on Winnings. – Every person who wins in horse races shall pay a tax equivalent to ten percent (10%) of his winnings or ‘dividends’, the tax to be based on the actual amount paid to him for every winning ticket after deducting the cost of the ticket: Provided, That in the case of winnings from double, forecast/quinella and trifecta bets, the tax shall be four percent (4%). In the case of owners of winning race horses, the tax shall be ten percent (10%) of the prizes.

The tax herein prescribed shall be deducted from the ‘dividends’ corresponding to each winning ticket or the ‘prize’ of each winning race horse owner and withheld by the operator, manager or person in charge of the horse races before paying the dividends or prizes to the persons entitled thereto.

The operator, manager or person in charge of horse races shall, within twenty (20) days from the date the tax was deducted and withheld in accordance with the second paragraph hereof, file a true and correct return with the Commissioner in the manner or form to be prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, and pay within the same period the total amount of tax so deducted and withheld.

Section 127. Tax on Sale, Barter or Exchange of Shares of Stock Listed and Traded through the Local Stock Exchange or through Initial Public Offering. –

(A) Tax onSale, Barter or Exchange of Shares of Stock Listed and Traded through the Local Stock Exchange. – There shall be levied, assessed and collected on every sale, barter, exchange, or other disposition of shares of stock listed and traded through the local stock exchange other than the sale by a dealer in securities, a tax at the rate of one-half of one percent (1/2 of 1%) of the gross selling price or gross value in money of the shares of stock sold, bartered, exchanged or otherwise disposed which shall be paid by the seller or transferor.

(B) Tax on Shares of Stock Sold or Exchanged Through Initial Public Offering. – There shall be levied, assessed and collected on every sale, barter, exchange or other disposition through initial public offering of shares of stock in closely held corporations, as defined herein, a tax at the rates provided hereunder based on the gross selling price or gross value in money of the shares of stock sold, bartered, exchanged or otherwise disposed in accordance with the proportion of shares of stock sold, bartered, exchanged or otherwise disposed to the total outstanding shares of stock after the listing in the local stock exchange:

Up to twenty-five percent (25%)……………………………………………… 4%

Over twenty-five percent (25%) but not over thirty-three

and one third percent (33 1/3%)…………………………………………….. 2%

Over thirty-three and one third percent (33 1/3%)……………………. 1%

The tax herein imposed shall be paid by the issuing corporation in primary offering or by the seller in secondary offering.

For purposes of this Section, the term ‘closely held corporation’ means any corporation at least fifty percent (50%) in value of outstanding capital stock or at least fifty percent (505) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote is owned directly or indirectly by or for not more than twenty (20) individuals.

For purposes of determining whether the corporation is a closely held corporation, insofar as such determination is based on stock ownership, the following rules shall be applied:

(1) Stock Not Owned by Individuals. – Stock owned directly or indirectly by or for a corporation, partnership, estate or trust shall be considered as being owned proportionately by its shareholders, partners or beneficiaries.

(2) Family and Partnership Ownerships. – An individual shall be considered as owning the stock owned, directly or indirectly, by or for his family, or by or for his partner. For purposes of the paragraph, the ‘family of an individual’ includes only his brothers and sisters (whether by whole or half-blood), spouse, ancestors and lineal descendants.

(3) Option. – If any person has an option acquire stock, such stock shall be considered as owned by such person. For purposes of this paragraph, an option to acquire such an option and each one of a series of options shall be considered as an option to acquire such stock.

(4) Constructive Ownership as Actual Ownership. – Stock constructively owned by reason of the application of paragraph (1) or (3) hereof shall, for purposes of applying paragraph (1) or (2), be treated as actually owned by such person; but stock constructively owned by the individual by reason of the application of paragraph (2) hereof shall not be treated as owned by him for purposes of again applying such paragraph in order to make another the constructive owner of such stock.

(C) Return on Capital Gains Realized fromSaleof Shares of Stocks. –

(1) Return on Capital Gains Realized fromSaleof Shares of Stock Listed and Traded in the Local Stock Exchange. – It shall be the duty of every stock broker who effected the sale subject to the tax imposed herein to collect the tax and remit the same to the Bureau of Internal Revenue within five (5) banking days from the date of collection thereof and to submit on Mondays of each week to the secretary of the stock exchange, of which he is a member, a true and complete return which shall contain a declaration of all the transactions effected through him during the preceding week and of taxes collected by him and turned over to the Bureau Of Internal Revenue.

(2) Return on Public Offerings of Share Stock. – In case of primary offering, the corporate issuer shall file the return and pay the corresponding tax within thirty (30) days from the date of listing of the shares of stock in the local stock exchange. In the case of secondary offering, the provision of Subsection (C)(1) of this Section shall apply as to the time and manner of the payment of the tax.

(D) Common Provisions. – any gain derived from the sale, barter, exchange or other disposition of shares of stock under this Section shall be exempt from the tax imposed in Sections 24(C), 27(D)(2), 28(A)(8)(c), and 28(B)(5)(c) of this Code and from the regular individual or corporate income tax. Tax paid under this Section shall not be deductible for income tax purposes.

Section 128. Returns and Payment of Percentage Taxes. –

(A) Returns of Gross Sales, Receipts or Earnings and Payment of Tax. –

(1) Persons Liable to Pay Percentage Taxes. – Every person subject to the percentage taxes imposed under this Title shall file a quarterly return of the amount of his gross sales, receipts or earnings and pay the tax due thereon within twenty-five (25) days after the end of each taxable quarter: Provided, That in the case of a person whose VAT registration is cancelled and who becomes liable to the tax imposed in Section 116 of this Code, the tax shall accrue from the date of cancellation and shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of this Section.

(2) Person Retiring from Business. – Any person retiring from a business subject to percentage tax shall notify the nearest internal revenue officer, file his return and pay the tax due thereon within twenty (20) days after closing his business.

(3) Exceptions. – The Commissioner may, by rules and regulations, prescribe:

(a) The time for filing the return at intervals other than the time prescribed in the preceding paragraphs for a particular class or classes of taxpayers after considering such factors as volume of sales, financial condition, adequate measures of security, and such other relevant information required to be submitted under the pertinent provisions of this Code; and

(b) The manner and time of payment of percentage taxes other than as hereinabove prescribed, including a scheme of tax prepayment.

(4) Determination of Correct Sales or Receipts. – When it is found that a person has failed to issue receipts or invoices, or when no return is filed, or when there is reason to believe that the books of accounts or other records do not correctly reflect the declarations made or to be made in a return required to be filed under the provisions of this Code, the Commissioner, after taking into account the sales, receipts or other taxable base of other persons engaged in similar businesses under similar situations or circumstances, or after considering other relevant information may prescribe a minimum amount of such gross receipts, sales and taxable base and such amount so prescribed shall be prima facie correct for purposes of determining the internal revenue tax liabilities of such person.

(B) Where to File. – Except as the Commissioner otherwise permits, every person liable to the percentage tax under this Title may, at his option, file a separate return for each branch or place of business, or a consolidated return for all branches or places of business with the authorized agent bank, Revenue District Officer, Collection Agent or duly authorized Treasurer of the city or municipality where said business or principal place of business is located, as the case may be.

TITLE VI

EXCISE TAX ON CERTAIN GOODS

CHAPTER I – GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 129. Goods subject to Excise Taxes. – Excise taxes apply to goods manufactured or produced in the Philippines for domestic sales or consumption or for any other disposition and to things imported. The excise tax imposed herein shall be in addition to the value-added tax imposed under Title IV.

For purposes of this Title, excise taxes herein imposed and based on weight or volume capacity or any other physical unit of measurement shall be referred to as ‘specific tax’ and an excise tax herein imposed and based on selling price or other specified value of the good shall be referred to as ‘ad valorem tax.’

Section 130. Filing of Return and Payment of Excise Tax on Domestic Products. –

(A) Persons Liable to File a Return, Filing of Return on Removal and Payment of Tax. –

(1) Persons Liable to File a Return. – Every person liable to pay excise tax imposed under this Title shall file a separate return for each place of production setting forth, among others the description and quantity or volume of products to be removed, the applicable tax base and the amount of tax due thereon: Provided, however, That in the case of indigenous petroleum, natural gas or liquefied natural gas, the excise tax shall be paid by the first buyer, purchaser or transferee for local sale, barter or transfer, while the excise tax on exported products shall be paid by the owner, lessee, concessionaire or operator of the mining claim.

Should domestic products be removed from the place of production without the payment of the tax, the owner or person having possession thereof shall be liable for the tax due thereon.

(2) Time for Filing of Return and Payment of the Tax. – Unless otherwise specifically allowed, the return shall be filed and the excise tax paid by the manufacturer or producer before removal of domestic products form place of production: Provided, That the tax excise on locally manufactured petroleum products and indigenous petroleum/levied under Sections 148 and 151(A)(4), respectively, of this Title shall be paid within ten (10) days from the date of removal of such products for the period from January 1, 1998 to June 30, 1998; within five (5) days from the date of removal of such products for the period from July 1, 1998 to December 31, 1998; and, before removal from the place of production of such products from January 1, 1999 and thereafter: Provided, further, That the excise tax on nonmetallic mineral or mineral products, or quarry resources shall be due and payable upon removal of such products from the locality where mined or extracted, but with respect to the excise tax on locally produced or extracted metallic mineral or mineral products, the person liable shall file a return and pay the tax within fifteen (15) days after the end of the calendar quarter when such products were removed subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner. For this purpose, the taxpayer shall file a bond in an amount which approximates the amount of excise tax due on the removals for the said quarter. The foregoing rules notwithstanding, for imported mineral or mineral products, whether metallic or nonmetallic, the excise tax due thereon shall be paid before their removal from customs custody.

(3) Place of Filing of Return and Payment of the Tax. – Except as the Commissioner otherwise permits, the return shall be filed with and the tax paid to any authorized agent bank or Revenue Collection Officer, or duly authorized City or Municipal Treasurer in the Philippines.

(4) Exceptions. – The Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner may, by rules and regulations, prescribe:

(a) The time for filing the return at intervals other than the time prescribed in the preceding paragraphs for a particular class or classes of taxpayers after considering factors such as volume of removals, adequate measures of security and such other relevant information required to be submitted under the pertinent provisions of this Code; and

(b) The manner and time of payment of excise taxes other than as herein prescribed, under a tax prepayment, advance deposit or similar schemes. In the case of locally produced of extracted minerals and mineral products or quarry resources where the mine site or place of extraction is not the same as the place of processing or production, the return shall be filed with and the tax paid to the Revenue District Office having jurisdiction over the locality where the same are mined, extracted or quarried: Provided, however, That for metallic minerals processed abroad, the return shall be filed and the tax due thereon paid to the Revenue District Office having jurisdiction over the locality where the same are mined, extracted or quarried.

(B) Determination of Gross Selling Price of Goods Subject to Ad Valorem Tax. – Unless otherwise provided, the price, excluding the value-added tax, at which the goods are sold at wholesale in the place of production or through their sales agents to the public shall constitute the gross selling price. If the manufacturer also sells or allows such goods to be sold at wholesale in another establishment of which he is the owner or in the profits of which he has an interest, the wholesale price in such establishment shall constitute the gross selling price. Should such price be less than the cost of manufacture plus expenses incurred until the goods are finally sold, then a proportionate margin of profit, not less than ten percent (10%) of such manufacturing cost and expenses, shall be added to constitute the gross selling price.

(C) Manufacturer’s or Producer’s Sworn Statement. – Every manufacturer or producer of goods or products subject to excise taxes shall file with the Commissioner on the date or dates designated by the latter, and as often as may be required, a sworn statement showing, among other information, the different goods or products manufactured or produced and their corresponding gross selling price or market value, together with the cost of manufacture or production plus expenses incurred or to be incurred until the goods or products are finally sold.

(D) Credit for Excise tax on Goods Actually Exported. – When goods locally produced or manufactured are removed and actually exported without returning to the Philippines, whether so exported in their original state or as ingredients or parts of any manufactured goods or products, any excise tax paid thereon shall be credited or refunded upon submission of the proof of actual exportation and upon receipt of the corresponding foreign exchange payment: Provided, That the excise tax on mineral products, except coal and coke, imposed under Section 151 shall not be creditable or refundable even if the mineral products are actually exported.

Section 131. Payment of Excise Taxes on Importer Articles. –

(A) Persons Liable. – Excise taxes on imported articles shall be paid by the owner or importer to the Customs Officers, conformably with the regulations of the Department of Finance and before the release of such articles from the customshouse, or by the person who is found in possession of articles which are exempt from excise taxes other than those legally entitled to exemption.

In the case of tax-free articles brought or imported into the Philippines by persons, entitles, or agencies exempt from tax which are subsequently sold, transferred or exchanged in the Philippines to non-exempt persons or entitles, the purchasers or recipients shall be considered the importers thereof, and shall be liable for the duty and internal revenue tax due on such importation.

The provision of any special or general law to the contrary notwithstanding, the importation of cigars and cigarettes, distilled spirits and wines into the Philippines, even if destined for tax and duty free shops, shall be subject to all applicable taxes, duties, charges, including excise taxes due thereon: Provided, however, That this shall not apply to cigars and cigarettes, distilled spirits and wines brought directly into the duly chartered or legislated freeports of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, crated under Republic Act No. 7227; the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport, created under Republic Act No. 7922; and the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone, created under Republic Act No. 7903, and are not transshipped to any other port in the Philippines: Provided, further, That importations of cigars and cigarettes, distilled spirits and wines by a government-owned and operated duty-free shop, like the Duty-Free Philippines (DFP), shall be exempted from all applicable taxes, duties, charges, including excise tax due thereon: Provided, still further, That if such articles directly imported by a government-owned and operated duty-free shop like the Duty-Free Philippines, shall be labelled ‘tax and duty-free’ and ‘not for resale’: Provided, still further, That is such articles brought into the duly chartered or legislated freeports under Republic Acts No. 7227, 7922 and 7903 are subsequently introduced into the Philippine customs territory, then such articles shall, upon such introduction, be deemed imported into the Philippines and shall be subject to all imposts and excise taxes provided herein and other statutes: Provided, finally, That the removal and transfer of tax and duty-free goods, products, machinery, equipment and other similar articles, from one freeport to another freeport, shall not be deemed an introduction into the Philippine customs territory.

Articles consfiscated shall be disposed of in accordance with the rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner of Customs and Internal Revenue, upon consultation with the Secretary of Tourism and the General manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority.

The tax due on any such goods, products, machinery, equipment or other similar articles shall constitute a lien on the article itself, and such lien shall be superior to all other charges or liens, irrespective of the possessor thereof.

(B) Rate and Basis of the Excise Tax on Imported Articles. – Unless otherwise specified imported articles shall be subject to the same rates and basis of excise taxes applicable to locally manufactured articles.

Section 132. Mode of Computing Contents of Cask or Package. – Every fractional part of a proof liter equal to or greater than a half liter in a cask or package containing more than one liter shall be taxed as a liter, and any smaller fractional part shall be exempt; but any package of spirits, the total content of which are less than a proof liter, shall be taxed as one liter.

CHAPTER II – EXEMPTION OR CONDITIONAL TAX-FREE REMOVAL OF CERTAIN ARTICLES

Section 133. Removal of Wines and distilled Spirits for Treatment of Tobacco Leaf. – Upon issuance of a permit from the Commissioner and subject to the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, manufacturers of cigars and cigarettes may withdraw from bond, free of excise local and imported wines and distilled spirits in specific quantities and grades for use in the treatment of tobacco leaf to b used in the manufacture of cigars and cigarettes; but such wines and distilled spirits must first be suitably denatured.

Section 134. Domestic Denatured Alcohol. – Domestic alcohol of not less than one hundred eighty degrees (180O) proof (ninety percent (90%) absolute alcohol) shall, when suitably denatured and rendered unfit for oral intake, be exempt from the excise tax prescribed in Section 141: Provided, however, That such denatured alcohol shall be subject to tax under Section 106(A) of this Code: Provided, further, That if such alcohol is to be used for motive power, it shall be taxed under Section 148(d) of this Code: Provided, finally, That any alcohol, previously rendered unfit for oral intake after denaturing but subsequently rendered fit or oral intake after undergoing fermentation, dilution, purification, mixture or any other similar process shall be taxed under Section 141 of this Code and such tax shall be paid by the person in possession of such reprocessed spirits.

Section 135. Petroleum Products Sold to International Carriers and Exempt Entities or Agencies. – Petroleum products sold to the following are exempt from excise tax:

(a) International carriers of Philippine or foreign registry on their use or consumption outside the Philippines: Provided, That the petroleum products sold to these international carriers shall be stored in a bonded storage tank and may be disposed of only in accordance with the rules and regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner;

(b) Exempt entities or agencies covered by tax treaties, conventions and other international agreements for their use of consumption: Provided, however, That the country of said foreign international carrier or exempt entities or agencies exempts from similar taxes petroleum products sold to Philippine carriers, entities or agencies; and

(c) Entities which are by law exempt from direct and indirect taxes.

Section 136. Denaturation, Withdrawal and Use of Denatured Alcohol. – Any person who produces, withdraws, sells, transports or knowingly uses, or is in possession of denatured alcohol, or articles containing denatured alcohol in violation of laws or regulations now or hereafter in force pertaining thereto shall be required to pay the corresponding tax, in addition to the penalties provided for under Title X of this Code.

Section 137. Removal of Spirits Under Bond for Rectification. – Spirits requiring rectification may be removed from the place of production to another establishment for the purpose of rectification without prepayment of the excise tax: Provided, That the distiller removing such spirits and the rectifier receiving them shall file with the Commissioner their joint bond conditioned upon the payment by the rectifier of the excise tax due on the rectified alcohol: Provided, further, That in cases where alcohol has already been rectified either by original and continuous distillation or by redistillation, no loss for rectification and handling shall be allowed and the rectifier thereof shall pay the excise tax due on such losses: Provided, finally, That where a rectifier makes use of spirits upon which the excise tax has not been paid, he shall be liable for the payment of the tax otherwise due thereon.

Section 138. Removal of Fermented Liquors to Bonded Warehouse. – Any brewer may remove or transport from his brewery or other place of manufacture to a bonded warehouse used by him exclusively for the storage or sale in bulk of fermented liquors of his own manufacture, any quantity of such fermented liquors, not less than one thousand (1,000) liters at one removal, without prepayment of the tax thereon under a permit which shall be granted by the Commissioner. Such permit shall be affixed to every package so removed and shall be cancelled or destroyed in such manner as the Commissioner may prescribe. Thereafter, the manufacturer of such fermented liquors shall pay the tax in the same manner and under the same penalty and liability as when paid at the brewery.

Section 139. Removal of Damaged Liquors Free of Tax. – When any fermented liquor has become sour or otherwise damaged so as to be unfit for use as such, brewers may sell and after securing a special permit from the Commissioner, under such conditions as may be prescribed in the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, remove the same without the payment of tax thereon in cask or other packages, distinct from those ordinarily used for fermented liquors, each containing not less than one hundred seventy-five (175) liters with a note of their contents permanently affixed thereon.

Section 140. Removal of Tobacco Products without Prepayment of Tax. – Products of tobacco entirely unfit for chewing or smoking may be removed free of tax for agricultural or industrial use, under such conditions as may be prescribed in the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance. Stemmed leaf tobacco, fine-cut shorts, the refuse of fine-cut chewing tobacco, scraps, cuttings, clippings, stems, or midribs, and sweepings of tobacco may be sold in bulk as raw material by one manufacturer directly to another without payment of the tax, under such conditions as may be prescribed in the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Finance.

‘Stemmed leaf tobacco,’ as herein used, means leaf tobacco which has had the stem or midrib removed. The term does not include broken leaf tobacco.

CHAPTER III- EXCISE TAX ON ALCOHOL PRODUCTS

Section 141. Distilled Spirits. – On distilled spirits, there shall be collected, subject to the provisions of Section 133 of this Code, excise taxes as follows:

(a) If produced from the sap of nipa, coconut, cassava, camote, or buri palm or from the juice, syrup or sugar of the cane, provided such materials are produced commercially in the country where they are processed into distilled spirits, per proof liter, Eight pesos (P8.00): Provided, That if produced in a pot still or other similar primary distilling apparatus by a distiller producing not more than one hundred (100) liters a day, containing not more than fifty percent (50%) of alcohol by volume, per proof liter, Four pesos (P4.00);

(b) If produced from raw materials other than those enumerated in the preceding paragraph, the tax shall be in accordance with the net retail price per bottle of seven hundred fifty milliliter (750 ml.) volume capacity (excluding the excise tax and the value-added tax)as follows:

(1) Less than Two hundred and fifty pesos (P250) – Seventy-five pesos (P75), per proof liter;

(2) Two hundred and fifty pesos (P250) up to Six hundred and Seventy-Five pesos (P675) – One hundred and fifty pesos (P150), per proof liter; and

(3) More than Six hundred and seventy-five pesos (P675) – Three hundred pesos (P300), per proof liter.

(c) Medicinal preparations, flavoring extracts, and all other preparations, except toilet preparations, of which, excluding water, distilled spirits for the chief ingredient, shall be subject to the same tax as such chief ingredient.

This tax shall be proportionally increased for any strength of the spirits taxed over proof spirits, and the tax shall attach to this substance as soon as it is in existence as such, whether it be subsequently separated as pure or impure spirits, or transformed into any other substance either in the process of original production or by any subsequent process.

‘Spirits or distilled spirits’ is the substance known as ethyl alcohol, ethanol or spirits of wine, including all dilutions, purifications and mixtures thereof, from whatever source, by whatever process produced, and shall include whisky, brandy, rum, gin and vodka, and other similar products or mixtures.

‘Proof spirits’ is liquor containing one-half (1/2) of its volume of alcohol of a specific gravity of seven thousand nine hundred and thirty-nine thousandths (0.7939) at fifteen degrees centigrade (15O C). A ‘proof liter’ means a liter of proof spirits.

The rates of tax imposed under this Section shall be increased by twelve percent (12%) on January 1, 2000.

New brands shall be classified according to their current ‘net retail price’.

For the above purpose, ‘net retail price’ shall mean the price at which the distilled spirit is sold on retail in ten (10) major supermarkets in Metro Manila, excluding the amount intended to cover the applicable excise tax and the value-added tax as of October 1, 1996.

The classification of each brand of distilled spirits based on the average net retail price as of October 1, 1996, as set forth in Annex ‘A’, shall remain in force until revised by Congress.

Section 142. Wines, – On wines, there shall be collected per liter of volume capacity, the following taxes:

(a) Sparkling wines/champagnes regardless of proof, if the net retail price per bottle (excluding the excise tax and value-added tax) is:

(1) Five hundred pesos (P500) or less – One hundred pesos (P100); and

(2) More than Five hundred pesos (P500) – Three hundred pesos (P300).

(b) Still wines containing fourteen percent (14%) of alcohol by volume or less, Twelve pesos (P12.00); and

(c) Still wines containing more than fourteen percent (14%) but not more than twenty-five percent (25%) of alcohol by volume, Twenty-four pesos (P24.00).

Fortified wines containing more than twenty-five percent of alcohol by volume shall be taxed as distilled spirits. ‘Fortified wines’ shall mean natural wines to which distilled spirits are added to increase their alcoholic strength.

The rates of tax imposed under this Section shall be increased by twelve percent (12%) on January 1, 2000.

New brands shall be classified according to their current net retail price.

For the above purpose, ‘net retail price’ shall mean the price at which wine is sold on retail in ten (10) major supermarkets in Metro Manila, excluding the amount intended to cover the applicable excise tax and the value- added tax as of October 1, 1996.

The classification of each brand of wines based on its average net retail price as of October 1, 1996, as set forth in Annex ‘B’, shall remain in force until revised by Congress.

Section 143. Fermented Liquor. – There shall be levied, assessed and collected an excise tax on beer, lager beer, ale, porter and other fermented liquors except tuba, basi, tapuy and similar domestic fermented liquors in accordance with the following schedule:

(a) If the net retail price (excluding the excise tax and value-added tax) per liter of volume capacity is less than Fourteen pesos and fifty centavos (P14.50), the tax shall be Six pesos and fifteen centavos (P6.15) per liter;

(b) If the net retail price (excluding the excise tax and the value-added tax) the per liter of volume capacity is Fourteen pesos and fifty centavos (P14.50) up to Twenty-two pesos (P22.00), the tax shall be Nine pesos and fifteen centavos (P9.15) per liter;

(c) If the net retail price (excluding the excise tax and the value-added tax) per liter of volume capacity is more than Twenty-two pesos (P22.00), the tax shall be Twelve pesos and fifteen centavos (P12.15) per liter.

Variants of existing brands which are introduced in the domestic market after the effectivity of Republic Act No. 8240 shall be taxed under the highest classification of any variant of that brand.

Fermented liquor which are brewed and sold at micro-breweries or small establishments such as pubs and restaurants shall be subject to the rate in paragraph (c) hereof.

The excise tax from any brand of fermented liquor within the next three (3) years from the effectivity of Republic Act No. 8240 shall not be lower than the tax which was due from each brand on October 1, 1996.

The rates of excise tax on fermented liquor under paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) hereof shall be increased by twelve percent (12%) on January 1, 2000.

New brands shall be classified according to their current net retail price.

For the above purpose, ‘net retail price’ shall mean the price at which the fermented liquor is sold on retail in twenty (20) major supermarkets in Metro Manila (for brands of fermented liquor marketed nationally) excluding the amount intended to cover the applicable excise tax and the value-added tax. For brands which are marketed only outside the Metro Manila, the ‘net retail price’ shall mean the price at the which the fermented liquor is sold in five (5) major supermarkets in the region excluding the amount intended to cover the applicable excise tax and the value-added tax.

The classification of each brand of fermented liquor based on its average net retail price as of October 1, 1996, as set forth in Annex ‘C’, shall remain in force until revised by Congress.

‘A variant of brand’ shall refer to a brand on which a modifier is prefixed and/or suffixed to the root name of the brand and/or a different brand which carries the same logo or design of the existing brand.

Every brewer or importer of fermented liquor shall, within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of R.A. No. 8240, and within the first five (5) days of every month thereafter, submit to the Commissioner a sworn statement of the volume of sales for each particular brand of fermented liquor sold at his establishment for the three-month period immediately preceding.

Any brewer or importer who, in violation of this Section, knowingly misdeclares or misrepresents in his or its sworn statement herein required any pertinent data or information shall be penalized by a summary cancellation or withdrawal of his or its permit to engage in business as brewer of importer of fermented liquor.

Any corporation, association of partnership liable for any of the acts or omissions in violation of this Section shall be fined treble the amount of deficiency taxes, surcharge, and interest which may be assessed pursuant to this Section.

Any person liable for any of the acts or omissions prohibited under this Section shall be criminally liable and penalized under Section 254 of this Code. Any person who willfully aids or abets in the commission of any such act or omission shall be criminally liable in the same manner as the principal.

If the offender is not a citizen of the Philippines, he shall be deported immediately after serving the sentence, without further proceedings for deportation.

CHAPTER IV – EXCISE TAX ON TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Section 144. Tobacco Products. – There shall be collected a tax of seventy-five centavos (P0.75) on each kilogram of the following products of tobacco:

(a) Tobacco twisted by hand or reduced into a condition to be consumed in any manner other than the ordinary mode of drying and curing;

(b) Tobacco prepared or partially prepared with or without the use of nay machine or instruments or without being pressed or sweetened; and

(c) Fine-cut shorts and refuse, scraps, clippings, cuttings, stems and sweepings of tobacco.

Fine-cut shorts and refuse, scraps, clippings, cuttings, stems and sweepings of tobacco resulting from the handling or stripping of whole leaf tobacco may be transferred, disposed of, or otherwise sold, without prepayment of the excise tax herein provided for under such conditions as may be prescribed in the rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Finance, upon recommendation of the Commissioner, if the same are to be exported or to be used in the manufacture of other tobacco products on which the excise tax will eventually be paid on the finished product.

On tobacco specially prepared for chewing so as to be unsuitable for use in any other manner, on each kilogram, Sixty centavos (P0.60).

Section 145. Cigars and Cigarettes. –

(A) Cigars. – There shall be levied, assessed and collected on cigars a tax of One peso (P1.00) per cigar.

(B) Cigarettes Packed by Hand. – There shall be levied, assessed and collected on cigarettes packed by hand a tax of Forty centavos (P0.40) per pack.

(C) Cigarettes Packed by Machine.- There shall be levied, assessed and collected on cigarettes packed by machine a tax at the rates prescribed below:

(1) If the net retail price (excluding the excise tax and the value-added tax) is above Ten pesos (P10.00) per pack, the tax shall be Twelve pesos (P12.00) per pack;

(2) If the net retail price (excluding the excise tax and the value-added tax) exceeds Six pesos and fifty centavos (P6.50) but does not exceed Ten pesos (P10.00) per pack, the tax shall be Eight pesos (8.00) per pack;

(3) If the net retail price (excluding the excise tax and the value-added tax) is Five pesos (P5.00) but does not exceed Six pesos and fifty centavos (P6.50) per pack, the tax shall be Five pesos (P5.00) per pack;

(4) If the net retail price (excluding the excise tax and the value-added tax is below Five pesos (P5.00) per pack, the tax shall be One peso (P1.00) per pack;

Variants of existing brands of cigarettes which are introduced in the domestic market after the effectivity of R.A. No. 8240 shall be taxed under the highest classification of any variant of that brand.

The excise tax from any brand of cigarettes within the next three (3) years from the effectivity of R.A. No. 8240 shall not be lower than the tax, which is due from each brand on October 1, 1996: Provided, however, That in cases where the excise tax rates imposed in paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and (4) hereinabove will result in an increase in excise tax of more than seventy percent (70%); for a brand of cigarette, the increase shall take effect in two tranches: fifty percent (50%) of the increase shall be effective in 1997 and one hundred percent (100%) of the increase shall be effective in 1998.

Duly registered or existing brands of cigarettes or new brands thereof packed by machine shall only be packed in twenties.

The rates of excise tax on cigars and cigarettes under paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and (4) hereof, shall be increased by twelve percent (12%) on January 1, 2000.

New brands shall be classified according to their current net retail price.

For the above purpose, ‘net retail price’ shall mean the price at which the cigarette is sold on retail in twenty (20) major supermarkets in Metro Manila (for brands of cigarettes marketed nationally), excluding the amount intended to cover the applicable excise tax and the value-added tax. For brands which are marketed only outside Metro Manila, the ‘net retail price’ shall mean the price at which the cigarette is sold in five (5) major supermarkets in the region excluding the amount intended to cover the applicable excise tax and the value-added tax.

The classification of each brand of cigarettes based on its average net retail price as of October 1, 1996, as set forth in Annex ‘D’, shall remain in force until revised by Congress.

Variant of a brand’ shall refer to a brand on which a modifier is prefixed and/or suffixed to the root name of the brand and/or a different brand which carries the same logo or design of the existing brand.

Manufactures and importers of cigars and cigarettes shall, within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of R. A. No. 8240 and within the first five (5) days of every month thereafter submit to the Commissioner a sworn statement of the volume of sales for each particular brand of cigars and/or cigarettes sold at his establishment for the three-month period immediately preceding.

Any manufacturer or importer who, in violation of this Section, knowingly misdeclares or misrepresents in his or its sworn statement herein required any pertinent data or information shall, upon discovery, be penalized by a summary cancellation or withdrawal of his or its permit to engage in business as manufacturer or importer of cigars or cigarettes.

Any corporation, association or partnership liable for any of the acts or omissions in violation of this Section shall be fined treble the amount of deficiency taxes, surcharges and interest which may be assessed pursuant to this Section.

Any person liable for any of the acts or omissions prohibited under this Section shall be criminally liable and penalized under Section 254 of this Code. Any person who willfully aids or abets in the commission of any such act or omission shall be criminally liable in the same manner as the principal.

If the offender is not a citizen of the Philippines, he shall be deported immediately after serving the sentence without further proceedings for deportation.

Section 146. Inspection Fee. – For inspection made in accordance with this Chapter, there shall be collected a fee of Fifty centavos (P0.50) for each thousand cigars or fraction thereof; Ten centavos (P0.10) for each thousand cigarettes of fraction thereof; Two centavos (P0.02) for each kilogram of leaf tobacco or fraction thereof; and Three centavos (P0.03) for each kilogram or fraction thereof, of scrap and other manufactured tobacco.

The inspection fee on leaf tobacco, scrap, cigars, cigarettes and other tobacco products as defined in Section 147 of this Code shall be paid by the wholesaler, manufacturer, producer, owner or operator of redrying plant, as the case may be, immediately before removal there of from the establishment of the wholesaler, manufacturer, owner or operator of the redrying plant. In case of imported leaf tobacco and products thereof, the inspection fee shall be paid by the importer before removal from customs’ custody.

Fifty percent (50%) of the tobacco inspection fee shall accrue to the Tobacco Inspection Fund created by Section 12 of Act No. 2613, as amended by Act No. 3179, and fifty percent (50%) shall accrue to theCulturalCenterof the Philippines.

Section 147. Definition of Terms. – When used herein and in statements or official forms prescribed hereunder, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated:

(a) ‘Cigars’ mean all rolls of tobacco or any substitute thereof, wrapped in leaf tobacco.

(b) ‘Cigarettes’ mean all rolls of finely-cut leaf tobacco, or any substitute therefor, wrapped in paper or in any other material.

(c) ‘Wholesale price’ shall mean the amount of money or price paid for cigars or cigarettes purchased for the purpose of resale, regardless of quantity.

(d) ‘Retail price’ shall mean the amount of money or price which an ultimate consumer or end-user pays for cigars or cigarettes purchased.