BOC bags top award for ‘record-breaking’ seizures of fake goods
Photo courtesy of BOC
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) received top honors from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for leading the country in intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement, accounting for 85% of total seizures made by the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) in 2024.
The BOC was awarded the “IP Citation for Attaining the Highest Number of Seizures” during the Gawad Yamang Isip Awards 2025. The citation was presented during the 191st NCIPR Regular Meeting, which the BOC hosted on May 26, 2025. IPOPHL IPR Specialist Atty. Reggie Anne Pamatian handed over the plaque to BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio on behalf of IPOPHL Director General Atty. Brigitte Da Costa-Villaluz.
“This award recognizes our firm resolve to crack down on counterfeit goods,” Commissioner Rubio said. “IPR protection is crucial to building a fair, secure, and investor-friendly trade environment.”
In 2024, the BOC’s seizures amounted to P34.698 billion out of the total P40.99 billion recorded by NCIPR—a record-breaking figure. One of the agency’s biggest hauls came from Binondo, Manila, where more than P11 billion worth of counterfeit luxury goods were seized in a single operation.
The effort is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to create a resilient, infringement-free market that boosts investor confidence and consumer protection.
As of end-April 2025, the BOC has already confiscated P15.8 billion worth of fake goods. These operations were conducted in close coordination with global brand representatives and IPR enforcement partners.
The NCIPR, composed of 15 member agencies, continues to work on strengthening laws and cooperation to prevent the entry and sale of pirated goods in the country.
The BOC has vowed to intensify these efforts.
“We are not letting up,” Rubio said. “We will continue to act decisively against counterfeit trade to protect consumers and legitimate businesses,” he added.
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
