Two men convicted in Batangas for selling counterfeit cigarettes

A Batangas court has convicted two men for selling and distributing counterfeit cigarettes, underscoring the government's continuing efforts to combat illicit tobacco trade across the country.

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In a decision from September 2025, the Regional Trial Court of Lipa City found Gilmor Catapang and Jovert Delos Santos guilty of violating Sections 155.1 (Trademark Infringement) and 168.3 (Unfair Competition) of Republic Act No. 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

The conviction stemmed from four consolidated criminal cases involving the sale and distribution of fake cigarette products in Barangay Poblacion, Padre Garcia, Batangas, on September 11, 2023. According to court records, the two men were found selling counterfeit cigarettes designed to imitate legitimate brands and mislead consumers into believing they were genuine.