Over P500M worth of fake goods confiscated in Manila, Cavite

Two warehouses in Binondo and the town of Tanza in Cavite were raided by the Bureau of Customs, NBI, and the Philippine Coast Guard after receiving information that fake goods were allegedly being hidden there.

Under the letter of authority, the warehouses were inspected and imported, and counterfeit branded products such as face masks, hats, clothing, and some electronic products were discovered.

ADVERTISEMENT

This is a violation of the Intellectual Property Code due to imitation of the products of well-known brands.

The value of the seized items is estimated at P500 million to P600 million.

Among those discovered in the warehouse in Cavite were Chinese food and beverages and some medical protective masks.

ADVERTISEMENT

The BOC warns that counterfeit products can be bought at lower prices, but the materials used may not go through the proper process, which can harm health.

It is also specified that the owner of the warehouses can be charged with violating the Intellectual Property Code and Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

Also read: Ages 12-17 can be given COVID-19 vaccine on Nov. 3, 2021, Pimentel: PDP-Laban Cusi wing already desperate

ADVERTISEMENT

Over P500M worth of fake goods confiscated in Manila, Cavite

In September, the Bureau of Customs destroyed  P7.4 billion worth of shredded counterfeit goods seized in Pasay.

The items are primarily clothes with designers’ labels and personal care items from China. As a result, the Philippine government lost approximately P700 million due to the smuggled items.

“Items like these not only destroy the economy and indirectly affect the people, are not released to the market,” BOC chief customs operations Officer Edgardo Padre Jr. said.

“We have no recourse but to destroy them.”

Padre said destroying fake goods serves as a “deterrent.”

“Malaking bagay kasi ang puhunan na nilalagay dito… the possibility of being charged criminally, malaking deterrent yung mga huli na ganito in preventing people in engaging in such businesses,” Padre said.

BOC believes the fake goods were planned to be sold online instead of in physical stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit our Facebook page for more  updates.