Overview of the Batangas Conviction
A regional trial court in Lipa City, Batangas, has handed down a conviction to two men for selling and distributing counterfeit cigarettes. The September 2025 ruling marks another milestone in the Philippines’ ongoing campaign against illicit tobacco products, which undermine consumer safety and erode government tax revenues.
The court upheld charges under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, specifically Sections 155.1 (Trademark Infringement) and 168.3 (Unfair Competition), against defendants Gilmor Catapang and Jovert Delos Santos. The decision followed four consolidated cases tied to activities in Barangay Poblacion, Padre Garcia, on September 11, 2023.
Details of the Case
According to the Regional Trial Court (RTC) records, the defendants were found in possession of counterfeit cigarette products that closely imitated legitimate brands. The deception appeared to be aimed at convincing consumers that the products were authentic, a risk that poses health and safety concerns beyond ordinary counterfeit concerns.
Authorities valued the seized counterfeit goods at more than PHP 800,000, a substantial sum reflecting both the scale of the operation and the economic stakes involved in counterfeit tobacco distribution.
Judgment and Penalties
For each of the four cases, Catapang and Delos Santos received two years of imprisonment and fines of PHP 50,000, culminating in a total penalty of PHP 200,000 across all counts. The court also ordered the destruction of the confiscated counterfeit cigarettes by October 2025 to prevent any further distribution or resale.
Broader Context: National Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco
The Batangas conviction aligns with a nationwide push to dismantle networks involved in counterfeit cigarette production and distribution. Law enforcement agencies, notably the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), have intensified operations to curb illicit tobacco trade, which harms consumers and deprives the government of excise tax revenue essential for public services.
Recent high-profile actions across the country illustrate the scale of the challenge. In May 2025, police in Malabon City arrested a suspected trader for allegedly selling approximately PHP 2 million worth of illicit cigarettes. In July 2025, another individual faced conviction for distributing counterfeit brands valued around PHP 1.4 million. These cases reflect a growing pattern of coordinated raids and prosecutions.
Districts and Regions Affected
Beyond Batangas, authorities have uncovered larger operations in regions such as Bulacan and Valenzuela, where raids in late 2024 led to discoveries of factories and warehouses dedicated to counterfeit cigarette production. The estimated tax liabilities from these operations run into billions of pesos, underscoring the economic impact of illicit tobacco on national revenue.
In Cebu, authorities seized counterfeit internal revenue stamps, production machinery, and more than 44,000 packs of fake cigarettes in October 2024, with a reported tax liability of PHP 107.7 million. In Negros Occidental, five traders were arrested in July 2025 for selling counterfeit cigarettes valued at PHP 4.7 million, illustrating the variety of scales at which illicit sellers operate.
Why This Matters for Consumers and Government
Counterfeit cigarettes pose multiple risks: unregulated ingredients, inconsistent nicotine delivery, and unknown added substances. They also deprive the government of revenue needed for critical programs and services. The ongoing crackdown signals a commitment to protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of legitimate tobacco markets.
What’s Next?
As investigations continue, authorities emphasize the importance of strong IP enforcement, cross-agency collaboration, and public awareness. Citizens are urged to report suspicious tobacco products and to purchase from reputable, licensed outlets to reduce exposure to counterfeit goods.
Related Trends in the Fight Against Illicit Tobacco
Other notable developments include ongoing raids, seizures, and prosecutions in various provinces. The case in Batangas demonstrates how local courts integrate intellectual property law with criminal enforcement to curb counterfeit activity and safeguard public health and government finances.
