Illicit alcohol sales are undermining legitimate businesses and public safety in the Philippines, the Alcoholic Beverages Alliance of the Philippines (ABAPI) said Thursday.
ABAPI said in a statement legitimate businesses that comply with regulations and pay proper taxes are suffering as counterfeit products tarnish the reputation of authentic brands, eroding market share and consumer trust.
“Addressing the spread of smuggled and counterfeit goods requires collaboration across the public and private sectors, as well as active participation from consumers. It’s a collective responsibility to protect legitimate businesses, safeguard tax revenues, and prevent counterfeit products from infiltrating the market,” said ABAPI chair Nick Sonderup.
Alliance Against Counterfeit Spirits (AACS) managing director David Francis said counterfeiting and smuggling are not only economic violations.
“Counterfeiting and smuggling are crimes themselves and they can finance even more serious criminal activity. The new year marks a fresh start to address illegal activities that undermine the rule of law. When people buy counterfeit alcohol, they may be inadvertently supporting a network of criminal operations,” Francis said.
He said counterfeit alcohol also poses serious health risks, particularly unregulated products that may contain dangerous substances like methanol, which can lead to poisoning.
Government agencies and industry groups launched the “Choose Authentic This 2025” campaign to educate consumers about the dangers of counterfeit alcohol and its broader implications.
With the Asia Pacific International Spirits & Wines Association (APISWA), the “Drink Authentic, Enjoy Responsibly” campaign, aims to inform consumers about the risks and economic consequences of counterfeit and smuggled products.
The campaign underscores that buying counterfeit alcohol not only fuels criminal networks but also endangers families and communities.
“Be wary and cautious when buying products, not just online but also in physical markets. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Counterfeit goods, including alcohol, are often marketed at a discount that seems hard to resist. If these ‘bargains’ put your health and life at risk, what you’re really getting is a gamble with a bigger price to pay,” said IPOPHL director general Brigitte da Costa-Villaluz. Othel V. Campos
IPOPHL encouraged consumers to be discerning and to only purchase from reputable retailers to avoid the risks associated with counterfeit goods.
