𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗵, 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗛
In a case that demonstrates the government's stepped-up efforts to combat the illicit tobacco trade in the nation, a man was found guilty by a Quezon City court of selling counterfeit cigarettes valued at P1.36 million.
Authorities found boxes of counterfeit cigarettes with well-known brand names but produced without the required licenses or permits, leading to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Angelo.
A surveillance and intelligence report regarding illicit cigarette distribution in the area prompted the operation, which was coordinated by the Bureau of Customs with the Intellectual Property Office and the local police.
The investigators confirmed that the fake goods broke the Philippine Intellectual Property Code, Republic Act No. 8293, which says that registered trademarks can't be used without permission.
Officials warned that these fake products not only hurt honest businesses, but they also put people's health at risk because they don't have proper labeling and their ingredients aren't regulated.
The court found Angelo guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and gave him the right punishments under the law. These could include jail time and fines.
The conviction comes at the same time as a rise in seizures and arrests across the country as part of a larger government effort to crack down on counterfeit and smuggled tobacco products.
Legal experts and trade officials say that the decision shows how important it is to protect intellectual property rights and make sure that consumers are safe.
