NBI probe on online counterfeit sellers, listings sought
MANILA, Philippines — A consumer advocacy group has called on the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) Cybercrime Division to launch a thorough investigation into online accounts, sellers, and listings driving the proliferation of counterfeit goods in the country.
In a letter addressed to NBI Cybercrime Division Acting Chief Atty. Wilma Delgado, Malayang Konsyumer said that while e-commerce platforms have been actively implementing voluntary takedowns of counterfeit shops, with proactive removal rates exceeding 85% to 93%, the sale of counterfeit goods online remains rampant. Proof of this is the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights’ seizure of P18.64 billion worth of counterfeit goods.
These include products across several categories, including cosmetics and skincare, pharmaceuticals and health supplements, electronics and gadgets, apparel, footwear, accessories, fragrances, children’s products, hygiene products, household adhesive products, and optical media.
"Self-regulation and voluntary takedowns on e-commerce platforms are vital, but they are not enough. The individuals and syndicates operating behind these digital storefronts continue to hide behind online anonymity, endangering Filipino consumers with unregulated and hazardous products," said Mark Jansen Magsano, Malayang Konsyumer Convenor.
The group underscored that the online distribution of fake goods is not a series of isolated infractions, but a structured cyber-enabled commercial crime. Because these offenses are committed using information and communications technologies, they fall squarely under The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, carrying aggravated penalties when violations of the Intellectual Property Code, Consumer Act, and Food and Drug Administration laws are executed online.
To dismantle these digital operations, Malayang Konsyumer urged the NBI Cybercrime Division to enforce its specialized legal tools under the anti-cybercrime law, including applying for Warrants to Disclose Computer Data to unmask anonymous account holders, and Warrants to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data to preserve vital digital evidence.
Drawing encouragement from the NBI’s successful swift actions earlier this year, such as the seizure of counterfeit beauty products in Rizal, the group called on the bureau to treat online counterfeit rings with equal urgency and prosecute the masterminds behind them.
"Filipino consumers deserve a safe digital economy. Tracking down and prosecuting the syndicates operating these illegal online listings will send a strong message that cyber-enabled intellectual property violations and consumer endangerment will not be tolerated," Magsano said.
Earlier, Magsano's group also urged the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines to crack down against counterfeit goods online. (Contributed story)
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