Merchants face raps for selling fake products

CEBU, Philippines - Two establishments accused of retailing and distributing fake Unilever products are now facing criminal charges after they failed to show up during the preliminary investigation.

Assistant State Prosecutor Christine Perolino elevated the case to the Regional Trial Court yesterday after finding probable cause to indict Lichou Shi Ongsitco of Ongsitco Enterprises and Philip Sison of STY Marketing.

She called for a preliminary investigation but respondents failed to attend, prompting the prosecutor to file charges for violation of Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

Perolino recommended a P10,000 bail for the temporary liberty of each accused.

The case stemmed from the complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Unilever Philippines Inc. (UPI) represented by lawyer Vera Shayne Salcedo.

They stated that UPI was the exclusive manufacturer of Dove products.

Upon investigation, the complainants confirmed reports that Ongsitco Enterprises located at Lopez Street, Kalubihan, Cebu City and STY Marketing located at Plaza Borromeo, P. Lopez Street, Kalubihan, Cebu City engaged in the retail and distribution of fake Dove products.

They then applied for a search warrant and were able to confiscate one Dove compact powder, one Dove 5n1 moisturizing two-way powder, nine pieces Dove mascara, ten pieces dove 3in1 mascara, four boxes Dove moisturizing two-way powder, 14 pieces Dove 4in1 and two pieces Dove 5in1 moisturizing two-way.

Complainants said the confiscated fake products have the same general appearance of the genuine Dove products.  (FREEMAN)