The Bureau of Customs, the government’s second-largest tax agency, vowed to strengthen intellectual property rights protection in the Philippines. In a statement, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the Bureau is committed to intensifying its efforts to prevent the entry of counterfeit goods across the country. Rubio also said the agency recognized the importance of safeguarding the intellectual property of individuals and businesses. “We will continue to strengthen our efforts in combating nefarious counterfeiting activities and ensure the enforcement of intellectual property rights,” Rubio said. Recently, the Customs bureau was given recognition by the Nike Asia Pacific Brand Protection Team for its exceptional efforts in apprehending and seizing P1.56 billion worth of counterfeit Nike footwear. The awards were presented to Rubio, Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service Director Verne Enciso, and Intellectual Property Rights Division Chief Paul Oliver Pacunayen. “We are thankful to Nike for the recognition, but our job is far from done,” Uy said. “While this award principally gives credit to the hardworking men and women of the bureau, it similarly serves as added motivation that further ignites the Bureau to go after these manufacturers of counterfeit goods,” he added. Enciso, meanwhile, said the commendation should serve as a rallying call for all government agencies to work together. “We wouldn’t be here today without the efforts and commitment of our partner agencies. We understand what is at stake here, that some groups are turning the Philippines into a haven of counterfeit goods,” Enciso said. Customs has pledged to take significant steps towards bolstering the protection of intellectual property rights in the Philippines. “We will stand in their way and put all measures to stop their modus,” Enciso said. By enhancing the enforcement of intellectual property rights, Customs aims to promote a more secure and trustworthy business environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and fair competition. “This commendation highlights the BOC's unwavering commitment in combatting intellectual property rights infringement and protecting the integrity of globally recognized brands,” the agency said.