http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08...rated-products

[SIZE=4]PH airports to seize fake, pirated products[/SIZE]
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 08/31/2011 2:32 PM | Updated as of 08/31/2011 5:01 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The government will soon start strictly enforcing the anti-piracy campaign in all international and local airports in the country.

Representatives of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and the Optical Media Board (OMB) have signed a memorandum of agreement for the campaign’s strict implementation.

MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Horado said x-ray scanners for check-in and hand-carried luggage will be used to detect if passengers have pirated CDs or DVDs, for example.

Mere possession of these products already violates Republic Act 8923, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. It carries with it a maximum penalty of 5 years.

The IPO and the OMB will be given a free hand in implementing the law in all airports, Honrado said.

He added authorities will launch a 2-month information and awareness campaign to notify passengers of the policies.

Passengers will also be warned on board the aircraft to refrain from buying fake products or bringing them into the Philippines.

OMB Chairman Ronnie Ricketts and IPO Director Frisco Guce vowed to implement the full force of the law after the information and awareness campaign.

Ricketts expects a decrease of pirated products sold in the country once the plan is implemented.