Authorities destroy P80.2 million worth of counterfeit goods

October 18, 2019

The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) with the Philippine National Police (PNP) destroyed P80.2 million worth of counterfeit goods in a ceremony held at Camp Crame on Friday.

In his speech, Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa said they are in full support with NCIPR and Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

He said nurturing and protecting country's resources is they key to progress.

"It is right to destroy not only counterfeit products but also apprehend and put into justice the criminals behind the creation and proliferation of imitation products," said Gamboa.

For the second ceremonial destruction of counterfeit and pirated goods, authorities destroyed P80.2 million woth of counterfeit goods which consists of cosmetic products, watches, food flavoring, bags, pharmaceutical products and assorted DVDs.

IPOPHL said 72 percent, in terms of value, was accounted for by the haul of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

From January to July this year, NCIPR prevented counterfeit goods, with a running approximate value of P13.73 billion, from getting into the hands of consumers.

According to partially validated data which cover P1.83 billion or a fifth of the total inventory for the seven months, majority of the fake items were cigarettes and alcohol products.

This segment took up 25 percent or P456.80 million of the total validated inventories.

IPOPHL Deputy Director-General Teodoro Pascua lamented how counterfeiters and pirates have aggressively used technology, digital platforms and online intermediaries to sell counterfeit products and flourish its enterprises.

"The Internet has created enormous opportunities for companies to promote and market their brands to consumers. However, its global reach, openness, and largely unregulated character have also created avenue for the trade and distribution of fake products," he said.

"Coordination and collaboration as a primary and central strategy among NCIPR member agencies promotes combination and unification of ideas, solutions, actions and resources, and enhances efficiency in the delivery of NCIPR’s programs and activities," Pascua added.

He said the significant increase of seizures of counterfeit goods in the Philippines is due to persistent efforts of NCIPR member agencies. Ella Dionisio/DMS