For many adults, wines, spirits, and other alcoholic beverages are often an important part of Filipino social gatherings. From birthdays and weddings to fiestas and holiday parties, the act of clinking glasses can play a role in creating bonds and cherished memories.
In the Philippines, the festive “Ber” months continue, ushering in a season of celebrations like Masskara Festival, Pintaflores Festival, Giant Lantern Festival, and the Higantes Festival.
Buying alcohol often needs to be quick and convenient during these sometimes spontaneous social gatherings, but convenience shouldn’t compromise safety.
Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Observatory 2022, 31 percent of alcoholic beverages consumed in the Philippines in 2019 were unrecorded – the vast majority of which was illicit.
The Alliance Against Counterfeit Spirits (AACS) reports that 50% of the counterfeit spirits produced in the Philippines are found in Metro Manila alone.
“As the Philippines enters the busiest time of the year for social gatherings, it’s vital that consumers prioritize their safety by choosing authentic alcohol products,” said David Francis, Managing Director of AACS.
“Illicit alcohol poses serious health risks. We urge everyone to be mindful of their purchasing and consuming.”
Illicit alcohol can pose potential health risks as well as impacting the economic performance of legitimate local businesses. In the case of counterfeits, they are also a pocketbook risk – counterfeit products are a type of scam.
The social impact of unrecorded alcohol
Counterfeits and unlicensed alcohol carry significant health risks, such as methanol poisoning, and may contain ingredients, including colourings and flavorings that are not approved by regulators and can be harmful to human health. Counterfeit products are often produced hastily in unsanitary conditions and are frequently linked to organised crime, such as forced labour and human trafficking.
The consequences of illicit alcohol also extend beyond personal risk. Unrecorded alcohol is responsible for up to PHP40 billion (USD 700 million) in lost tax revenue annually, damaging the economy and depriving the government of funds that could otherwise be invested in essential public services and combatting on illicit trade
These risks to human health and the economy underscore the importance of ensuring the authenticity of alcohol products.
Protecting Filipino celebrations and health
To empower and protect customers against the growing threat of counterfeit alcohol, the AACS, with support from the Asia Pacific International Spirits and Wines Alliance (APISWA) and the Alcoholic Beverages Alliance of the Philippines (ABAPI) launched the “Drink Authentic, Enjoy Responsibly” campaign promoting safe alcohol consumption and encouraging consumers to choose authentic products, especially with the rise of online alcohol sales through marketplaces and messaging services.
“Consumers can make safer choices by following a few simple steps. By purchasing only from reputable sellers, comparing prices with local supermarkets, carefully inspecting the product and packaging, and using only recognized payment channels, they can significantly reduce the risk of encountering counterfeit alcohol,” Francis added.
“Always prioritise safety over convenience and remember that drinking responsibly begins with buying authentically.”
Consumers are also urged to report illicit alcohol to the responsible authorities.
“Consumers play a crucial role in combating the sale of illicit alcohol. We encourage consumers to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of counterfeit alcoholic beverages,” said Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines Director General Rowel Barba.
“We remind the public to celebrate mindfully, be aware of the risks, and make informed choices when purchasing alcohol. These informed actions can help keep Filipino celebrations and communities safe,” said Barba.
As Filipinos continue to celebrate life’s special moments, the need to remain informed and vigilant has never been more crucial. Choosing authentic products not only ensures a safe drinking experience but also supports the fight against counterfeit products that harm the economy.
Consumers can disclose any information of suspected counterfeit products by contacting the IPOPHL at operations@ipophil.gov.ph or 0966 769 1448.
