MANILA -- The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized around P7 billion worth of suspected counterfeit products from two malls in Divisoria, Manila.

This includes perfumes, bags, watches, shoes, toys, and even medicines that are being sold in several shops in the retail district.

The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (IPOPHL) said a report of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) identified the mall as a potential source of counterfeit products.

The BOC seized the products, mostly bearing logos and labels very similar to their original counterpart.

They also invited brand representatives to check the authenticity of seized products. If proven to be fake, the BOC will condemn them.

"Walang lugar ang fake at counterfeit sa Pilipinas," said Atty. Rowel Barba, director general of the IPOPHL.

(There is no place for fake products in the Philippines.)

Barba said the fake products is disadvantageous to the economy as it hurts the workers of the authentic products.

He said it might also be risky to public health since some of the seized products include medicines and cosmetics, which did not undergo safety checks and protocols.

For about 11 years, the Philippines has been out of the USTR watchlist of notorious countries for counterfeit goods.

The IPOPHL appealed to the public to patronize original products, especially those produced in the country, this coming Christmas season.

"Nakikiusap kami ngayong pasko, yung pinag-iipunan na regalo, dun lang sa original. Nakikiusap kami na i-patronize ang gawang Pilipino na original," Barba said.

(We are appealing to the public, especially those shopping this Christmas, to only patronize the original ones. Support Filipino made products.)