Consumer group calls for crack down on counterfeit goods online

Consumer advocacy group Malayang Konsyumer is calling on the government to launch crackdown on the proliferation of fake goods in e-commerce platforms.

In a letter addressed to Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Director General Teodoro Pascua, Malayang Konsyumer said that while e-commerce platforms have reported high takedown rates of online shops selling counterfeit products, the digital marketplace remains heavily flooded with dangerous, unregulated imitations.

Citing IPOPHL data, the group said Lazada reported a takedown rate of 85.5% against counterfeit listings from June 2024 and May 2025, while Shopee posted a 93.6% proactive removal rate on its platform.

The Department of Trade and Industry’s E-Commerce Bureau also reported that it issued 171 Takedown Orders and 67 Compliance Orders from June to December 2025.

And in the first half of 2026, the bureau issued 268 more Takedown Orders and 105 Compliance Orders, according to the group.

Despite the regulatory action, Malayang Konsyumer said the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights’ (NCIPR) still seized P18.64 billion in counterfeit goods from June 2024 to May 2025.

“The glaring truth could no longer be denied nor glossed over: the digital marketplace has become a 24/7 open market for dangerous, unregulated imitations. Our members experience this regularly when shopping online, encountering pirated or trademark-infringing goods that carry both intellectual property and consumer safety implications,” said Mark Jansen Magsano, convenor of Malayang Konsyumer.

The group warned that these online “leakages” pose severe, immediate health and safety risks to Filipino families, highlighting several high-risk product categories flagged by their members.

These include medicines, vitamins, health supplements, and beauty products that may contain toxic chemicals.

The group also cited substandard electronics and gadgets that may lead to fire and electrocution hazards, along with household adhesives, sealants and other building materials that may cause both structural failure and toxic inhalation.

Malayang Konsyumer also cited knock-offs of popular retail goods such as clothing, footwear, toys and perfume, which may expose consumers to hidden health hazards.

“It is clear that while e-commerce platforms and government agencies have already taken action, these efforts are not enough. The IPOPHL is uniquely positioned to bridge safety gaps by fully deploying its statutory powers under the Intellectual Property Code,” said Magsano.

The group urged for motu proprio investigations targeting online channels as well as issuance of compliance and takedown orders and cancellation of business permits for repeat violators.

“Filipino consumers deserve a digital marketplace that is safe—one where sellers comply with intellectual property regulations and violators are held accountable. Allowing the status quo to fester exposes consumers to health and safety hazards. Let us not wait for the worst case to happen before taking drastic action,” said Magsano. — BAP, GMA News