TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
512
of MM,'-
25 JUL 14 All :40
RtCEiVED r'7:
S. No.
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE PROTECTION OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS FOR 
AGRICULTURAL OR NATURAL (UNPROCESSED OR WILD) PRODUCTS, 
PROCESSED PRODUCTS, WINES AND SPIRITS, OR ANY PRODUCTS OF 
HANDICRAFT OR INDUSTRY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is home to a rich tapestry of locally rooted products—In 
Antique, my own people take pride in weaving the patadyong—^ heritage textile as 
resilient and colorful as the Antiquefios themselves. Its patterns, passed down through 
generations, embodies their identity, the place, and of our rich tradition. Across the 
country, many other products hold this same spirit: the heirloom rice of the Cordilleras, 
mangoes of Guimaras, and t'nalakof Lake Sebu, to name a few.
Yet despite their cultural and economic value, these goods remain vulnerable 
to imitation and unfair competition. Our existing laws lack a dedicated system to 
protect such products and ensure that the value rightfully accrues to the communities 
that create them.
This bill establishes a system for protecting Geographical Indications (GIs)—a 
legal framework specifically designed for products whose qualities, reputation, or 
characteristics are essentially linked to their geographic origin. It brings the Philippines


in line with international standards under the TRIPS Agreement,1 and reflects best 
practices adopted across the European Union and ASEAN.
Key features of the proposed measure include:
1. The creation of a National Register of Protected Geographical 
Indications maintained by the Intellectual Property Office of the 
Philippines (IPOPHL);
2. Clear protections against misuse, false attribution, evocation, and 
unfair competition involving registered GIs;
3. Inclusive and flexible standards that recognize the role of 
smallholders and traditional producers, including mechanisms like 
grading systems and affidavits of traditional goodwill for long­
standing, bona fide producers;
4. Supportive measures for Indigenous Cultural 
Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) and micro­
entrepreneurs, including fee waivers, assistance in documentation, 
and translations of official forms and educational materials into 
Filipino and major regional languages;
5. A robust Communication and Education Plan, to be completed prior 
to the enforcement of penal provisions, ensuring that all 
stakeholders—regardless of size, literacy, or access—can navigate 
the GI system and understand their rights and responsibilities;
6. Institutional cooperation among the DA, DTI, NCIP, NCCA, DOST, 
DENR, and other agencies to help producers build product 
specifications, access branding support, and engage in fair 
certification systems;
7. The prioritization of social and sustainable enterprises, which operate 
in a manner that preserves the environment, uplifts marginalized 
groups, and invests profits back into the community; and
1 The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is a multilateral agreement 
administered by the World Trade Organization (WTO). It establishes minimum standards for the protection of 
various forms of intellectual property (IP) among WTO member nations.


8. Open access to GI data and a monitoring framework to ensure 
accountability, equity, and continuous policy improvement.
As of early 2025, only three GIs—Guimaras Mangoes, Akian Pina, and 
Alburquerque Asin Tibuok—have registered or filed applications. At least 28 other 
products have been identified as potential GIs across the country. Many of these still 
lack the organization, documentation, and support needed to proceed to registration.
Globally, over 58,000 GIs are protected. Countries like France, Italy, Vietnam, 
Thailand, and India have developed extensive GI systems, helping local producers 
command premium value and preserve traditional knowledge. In Cambodia, Kampot 
Pepper is internationally recognized because of its GI registration and traceability 
system. These examples show how GIs can help protect heritage while creating 
economic opportunities.
This measure provides the tools to build stronger, place-based economies, 
where identity and quality go hand-in-hand. GIs enable producers to differentiate their 
goods, secure recognition in both local and international markets, and foster consumer 
trust.
With this bill, we aim to bring Philippine GIs to the forefront of inclusive and 
sustainable development. It is time we give communities the legal means to claim, 
protect, and grow what is rightfully theirs.
In view of the foregoing, the urgent passage of this bill is sought.
OREN LEGARDA


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TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 512
'■v;-* '(©ffiri* of l |.' .€■
25 JUL 14 All -40
RUCEIVfiDBV;
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE PROTECTION OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS FOR 
AGRICULTURAL OR NATURAL (UNPROCESSED OR WILD) PRODUCTS, 
PROCESSED PRODUCTS, WINES AND SPIRITS, OR ANY PRODUCTS OF 
HANDICRAFT OR INDUSTRY
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Article I
General Provisions
Section 1. Short Title. -This Act shali be known as the "Protected Geographical 
Indications Act."
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policies. - The State recognizes the importance of 
geographical indications in agricultural, economic, and cultural development. It 
increases the competitive advantage of agricultural and industrial products with 
unique quality, reputation or characteristics that are essentially attributable to their 
geographical origin, thereby facilitating local and foreign market access and 
recognition. Further, rural socio-economic development is bolstered by the consequent 
creation of job opportunities from production, processing, and distribution.


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Towards this end, the State shall endeavor to protect and promote these
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industries by helping producers communicate the product characteristics and their
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attributes to buyers and consumers to ensure:
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a) Fair competition of producers;
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b) Availability of reliable information to consumers;
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c) Respect for intellectual property rights; and
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d) Integrity of the market.
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Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms are
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hereunder defined accordingly:
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a) Bureau refers to the Bureau of Trademarks;
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b) Control System refers to the verification of the compliance of goods with
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the Manual of Specifications, either by internal or external authorities;
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c) Director General refers to the Director General of the IPOPHL;
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d) E-Gazette refers to the IPOPHL's own publication where all matters required
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to be published under the IP Code shall be published;
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e) Evocation of a Geographical Indication refers to a term, sign, or other
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labeling or packaging device that presents a direct and clear link with the
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product covered by a protected geographical indication in the mind of the
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reasonably intelligent consumer, thereby exploiting, weakening, diluting or
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being detrimental to the reputation of the registered name;
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f) Fees refer to costs imposed on direct recipients of public goods and services
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provided and performed by the IPOPHL in the exercise of its functions. They
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also include charges and other costs;
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g) Geographical Indication (GI) refers to indications which identify a good or
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product as originating in a territory, region, or locality, where a given
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quality, reputation, or other characteristic of the good is essentially
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attributable to its geographical origin and/or human factors;
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h) Goods/Products refer to any agricultural or natural (unprocessed or wild)
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products, processed products, including foodstuff and alcoholic beverages,
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or any products of handicraft or industry;
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i) Grading System refers to a classification framework established under the
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Manual of Specifications to distinguish quality tiers of goods covered by a


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geographical indication based on measurable or evaluative criteria such as 
physical attributes, production methods, or other factors linked to 
reputation or consumer perception. The grading system shall be designed 
with flexibility to accommodate legitimate small producers in the GI area 
who may face practical constraints in meeting premium quality 
specifications, without undermining the core link between the product and 
its geographical origin.
j) Homonymous Geographical Indication refers to a geographical indication 
that, in part or in whole, has the same spelling as, or sounds alike as, 
another geographical indication but identifies goods having a different 
geographical origin;
k) Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs) refers to a 
group of people or homogenous societies identified by self-ascription and 
ascription by others, who have continuously lived as organized communities 
on communally bounded and defined territories, and who have, under 
claims of ownership since time immemorial, occupied, possessed and 
utilized such territories, sharing common bonds of language, customs, 
traditions and other distinctive cultural traits, or who have, through 
resistance to political, social and cultural inroads of colonization, non- 
indigenous religions and cultures, became historically differentiated from 
the majority of Filipinos. ICC/IPs shall likewise include peoples who are 
regarded as indigenous on account of their descent from the populations 
which inhabited the country, at the time of conquest or colonization, or at 
the time of inroads of non-indigenous religions and cultures, or the 
establishment of present state boundaries, who retain some or all of their 
own social, economic, cultural and political institutions, but who may have 
been displaced from their traditional domains or who may have resettled 
outside their ancestral domains;
l) Indication refers to a sign which is used to identify a good, either a 
geographical name (name of a territory, region, or locality, or under 
exceptional circumstances, the name of a country), a non-geographical 
name, an emblem or any other distinctive symbol;


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m) IP Code refers to Republic Act No. 8293 otherwise known as the Intellectual 
Property Code of the Philippines;
n) IPOPHL refers to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines;
o) Manual of Specifications refers to a document that contains the name to be 
protected as a geographical indication, description of the goods, the 
delimited geographical area where the goods are produced, and an 
explanation of the link between the said area and its quality, reputation, or 
characteristics; description of its production processes; control system and 
quality standards; labeling rules, among others;
p) Paris Convention refers to the Convention for the Protection of Industrial 
Property signed at Paris on 20 March 1883, and any revision or amendment 
thereto which has become into force in the Philippines;
q) Person refers to any juridical person, organization, association or duly 
constituted government unit, body, or agency;
r) Producer refers to:
any producer of agricultural product or natural products; 
any processor of natural or agricultural or agri-food products; 
any industry or manufacturer of products of handicraft; and 
any trader dealing in the products mentioned in paragraphs (i), 
(ii), and (iii);
s) Registrar refers to the Registrar of Geographical Indications;
t) Rules refers to the Rules and Regulations on Geographical Indications;
u) Social enterprises refer to entities defined under existing laws or policies 
that reinvest their profits for social, cultural, or environmental goals and 
prioritize marginalized sectors as stakeholders;
v) Sustainable enterprises refer to those that actively integrate environmental 
conservation, biodiversity protection, or climate resilience in their 
production practices; and
w) Use of Geographical Indication refers to offer for sale, production, sale, 
export or import of geographical indication goods as well as any promotion 
and communication material in relation to the geographical indication goods


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and other preparatory steps necessary to carry out the sale or export of
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goods protected as geographical indications.
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Article II
4 
Protected Geographical Indications
5 
Section 4. Objectives. - A scheme for protected geographical indications is
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established in order to help producers of products linked to a geographical area by:
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a) Securing fair returns for the qualities of their products;
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b) Ensuring uniform protection of the product's geographical indication as an
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intellectual property right;
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c) Providing clear information on the value-adding attributes of the product to
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the consumers;
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d) Regulating or managing the procedure related to the registration of
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geographical indications;
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e) Protecting geographical indications, including in the unfair competition
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procedures;
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f) Promoting geographical indication rights and products; and
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g) Protecting producers from anti-competitive practices in the registration and
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use of geographical indications.
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Sec. 5. Generic Nature, Conflicts with Names of Plant Varieties and Animal
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Breeds, with Homonyms and Trademarks. - Generic terms shall not be registered as
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protected geographical indications. A name may not be registered as a geographical
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indication where it conflicts with a name of a plant variety or an animal breed and is
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likely to mislead the consumer as to the true origin of the product.
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A name proposed for registration that is wholly or partially homonymous with
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a name already entered in the register may not be registered, unless, after comparing
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the homonym sought to be registered and the name already entered in the register,
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there is sufficient distinction in practice between the conditions of their local and
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traditional usage and presentation, taking into consideration the need to ensure
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equitable treatment of the producers concerned and that consumers are not misled.


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Sec. 6. Names, Symbols, and Indications. - Protected geographical indications 
may be used by any operator marketing a product which conforms to its corresponding 
specifications.
A national logo designed to publicize protected geographical indications shall 
be established. The Bureau shall constitute a National Logo to certify all registered 
geographical indication goods in the Philippines.
Sec. 7. Acquisition of Rights. - The enhanced protection afforded under this 
Act to any indication constituting a geographical indication shall be obtained through 
valid registration and a certificate issued to that effect by the Bureau.
Sec. 8. Rights of Registrants. - Registered Geographical Indications shall be 
protected against:
a) Any direct or indirect commercial use of a registered name with respect to 
products not covered by the registration where those products are 
comparable to the products registered or where using the name exploits the 
reputation of the protected name, including when those products are used 
as an ingredient;
b) Any misuse, imitation, or evocation, even if the true origin of the products 
or services is indicated or if the protected name is translated or 
accompanied by an expression such as 'style', 'type', 'method', 'as produced 
in', 'imitation' or similar, including when those products are used as an 
ingredient;
c) Any other false or misleading indication as to the provenance, origin, nature, 
or essential qualities of the product that is used on the inner or outer 
packaging, advertising material, or documents relating to the product 
concerned, and the packing of the product in a container tending to convey 
a false impression as to its origin;
d) Any use of a geographical indication which constitutes an act of unfair 
competition within the meaning of Article lObis of the Paris Convention; and
e) Any other practice that tends to mislead the consumer as to the true origin 
of the product.


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Where a protected geographical indication contains within it the name of a
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product which is considered to be generic, the use of that generic name shall not be
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considered to be contrary to sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of the preceding paragraph.
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The grading system shall not be used to exclude producers who meet the
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minimum specifications but shall allow differentiated labeling in accordance with
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verified quality criteria. No registered association or certifying body shall unreasonably
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deny GI access to small producers who have long engaged in good faith production
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of the product within the GI area.
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Small producers with a demonstrable history of producing the Gl-identified
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product prior to registration, but who may fall short of non-essential technical
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specifications, may file an affidavit of traditional goodwill. The affidavit shall be
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supported by documentation such as local certifications, testimonies, market records,
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or photos to demonstrate their bona fide role in the production community. Upon
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verification, the Registrar may authorize conditional use or create a transitional
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compliance pathway.
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Protected geographical indications shall not become generic.
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Article III
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Powers and Authority of the IPOPHL
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Sec. 9. Geographical Indications Registrar. - The Director of the Bureau of
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Trademarks shall act as the Registrar of Geographical Indications who has the
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authority to examine and register applications for the registration of geographical
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indications, and implement the provisions of this Act.
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Sec. 10. Register of Protected Geographical Indications. - The Registrar shall
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keep and maintain a register to be known as the Register of Protected Geographical
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Indications which shall contain all the recorded particulars as the Registrar deems
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appropriate.
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The Register shall be open to the inspection of the public during business hours,
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and accessible/searchable online, subject to certain conditions as the Registrar may
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prescribe. A certified true copy or extract of any entry in the Register shall be provided
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to any person requiring the copy or extract upon payment of the prescribed fee.


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The Registrar, as soon as practicable, shall make applications for registration
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available and allow for the filing of observation or objections online or in electronic
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form.
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Sec. 11. Powers of the Bureau of Legal Affairs. - The Bureau of Legal Affairs
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(BLA) of the IPOPHL shall have the authority to adjudicate on oppositions to the
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application for geographical indication and cancellations of registered geographical
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indications. The BLA shall also exercise original and exclusive jurisdiction in
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administrative complaints for geographical indication infringement and other violations
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of this Act.
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The BLA shall also have the power to resolve disputes other than the
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aforementioned through alternative modes of dispute resolution.
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Sec. 12. Roles of Relevant Government Agencies. - Pursuant to their respective
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mandates, the IPOPHL, the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Trade
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and Industry (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the
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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the National Commission
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for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
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(NCIP), the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), and such other agencies and
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local government units as may be appropriate, shall collaborate to support and
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encourage the development of domestic products with origin-linked quality,
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characteristics, or reputation to be granted geographical indication protection under
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the provisions of this Act.
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The IPOPHL, DA, DTI, DOST, DENR, NCCA, NCIP, CDA, or such other relevant
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agencies as may be appropriate, shall conduct capacity-building and research and
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development activities and/or projects for potential geographical indication producers
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and stakeholders, such as but not limited to the formulation of a manual of
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specifications, branding, packaging, and marketing of the geographical indication
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protected product. The agencies shall assist these potential geographical indication
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producers and stakeholders in ascertaining, validating, and certifying, as needed, the
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link of the quality, characteristics, or reputation of the goods to the territory, and shall
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provide such other services to support their needs.


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The agencies shall allocate the necessary appropriations of their respective
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annual budget to implement these mandates subject to existing budgeting,
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accounting, and auditing laws, rules, and regulations.
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Article IV
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Registration
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Section 13. Applicants. - The following may make an application to the
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Registrar for the registration of a geographical indication:
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a) Producers referred in Section 3(q) of this Act or producers' organization or
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association representing stakeholders directly involved in the extraction,
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production manufacture and trade of the goods covered by the geographical
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indication;
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b) Government agencies or local government units having area of
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responsibility covering the geographical origin of the goods, as well as
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representatives of foreign governments, relative to the geographical
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indication of its nationals, whose laws afford the same rights and protection
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to Philippine nationals; and
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c) Organizations or associations or indigenous cultural
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communities/indigenous peoples which are specifically entrusted with the
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task of regulating and/or protecting geographical indication by paragraphs
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(a) or (b).
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Sec. 14. Representation; Address for Service. - If the applicant is not domiciled
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nor has no real and effective commercial establishment in the Philippines, it shall
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designate by a written document filed in the IPOPHL, the name and address of a
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Philippine resident or representative from the Embassy, Consulate or Chamber of
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Commerce in the Philippines of the country where the goods originated, who may be
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served notices or process in proceedings affecting the geographical indication. Such
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notices or services may be served upon the person so designated by leaving a copy
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thereof at the address of the agent so last designated. If the agent so designated
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cannot be found at the address given in the last designation, such notice or process
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may be served upon the Registrar.


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Sec. 15. Additional Qualifications for Non-Fiiipino Applicants. - The applicant,
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as defined in Section 13 of this Act, who is neither a domestic corporation or
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organization/association nor a local government unit, body or agency and intends to
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apply for registration of a geographical indication of a foreign country must also have
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any of the following qualifications:
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a) A juridical entity incorporated or organized in a country which is a party to
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the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of
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Intellectual Property Right or to other international convention or agreement
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concerning the protection of geographical indications, to which the
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Philippines is also a party; or
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b) Domiciled or has a real and effective industrial or commercial establishment
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in the Philippines or in a country which is a party to an international
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convention or agreement concerning the protection of geographical
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indications, to which Philippines is also a party.
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Sec. 16. Requirements of Application. - The application for the registration of
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the geographical indication shall be in the prescribed form, may be in Filipino or in
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English and, shall be filed before the Registrar, containing the following details;
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a) Name and address of the applicant;
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b) Name of the State of which the applicant is a juridical entity or the law under
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which it is organized and existing; or name of the State in which the
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applicant has a domicile or has a real and effective industrial or commercial
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establishment;
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c) Name of the geographical indication sought to be registered;
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d) The goods to which the geographical indication applies;
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e) Description of the geographical area to which the geographical indication
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applies, including its territorial limitations or boundaries;
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f) Description of the specific quality, reputation, or other characteristic of the
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goods and how that quality, reputation, or other characteristic, as the case
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may be, is essentially attributable to the geographical origin and/or human
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factors;
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g) Copy of the Manual of Specifications duly formulated and adopted by the
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stakeholders or its governing board or council. The Manual of Specifications
10


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may contain a grading system or classification method for the goods, based
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on objective criteria, to recognize and support quality differentiation within
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the same geographical indication. Such grading system shall also outline
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minimum compliance thresholds and transitional or inclusive provisions to
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ensure equitable access for small-scale and traditional producers; and
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h) Certification from the concerned government agency or equivalent
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independent body:
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i. 
Validating the causal link between specific quality, reputation or
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other characteristic of the goods and the geographical area where
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it originated or produced as described in paragraph f of this
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section; and
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ii. 
The technical information pertaining to the product specifications
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in the Manual of Specifications.
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The Registrar may require the submission of other details as may be necessary.
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Sec. 17. Proof of GI Protection from Foreign Authorities. - Foreign applicants
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shall also submit within a reasonable period as may be determined by the IPOPHL,
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proof issued by a competent agency of the government or any private certifying entity,
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showing that the subject of the application is a registered or protected geographical
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indication. Other analogous legal documents or proof may also be accepted.
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Sec. 18. Fiiing Date. - The filing date of an application shall be the date on
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which the Registrar received a fully accomplished application form, containing all the
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details set forth under Section 16 of this Act, together with the proof of payment of
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the required fee.
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Article V
25 
Examination
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Sec. 19. Examination; Deficiencies. - The Registrar shall examine the
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applications for registration of geographical indications in accordance with this Act or
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in accordance with an international treaty to which the Philippines is a party, according
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to procedures approved thereunder. Should there be any deficiency in the application,
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the applicant shall be notified by the Registrar to remedy the same, and if deemed
11


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necessary, shall be requested to submit additional information or documents within
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two (2) months from mailing date of the notice. The period to respond may be
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extended upon written request by the applicant and payment of the required fee for
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an additional period of one (1) month each but not to exceed the total of four (4)
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months from mailing date of the official action. Any request for such extension must
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be filed on or before the day on which the response of the applicant is due.
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In case the deficiencies are not remedied or if the applicant failed to submit the
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additional information or documents within the prescribed period, the application shall
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be considered withdrawn without prejudice to the right of the applicant to re-file the
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same application subject to the requirements set forth under this Act.
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Sec. 20. Disclaimer. - A generic or customary term or common name
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component of a geographical indication should be disclaimed. In general, a name or
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term is considered generic, customary or common if it is understood by the general
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public in the Philippines or the relevant consumers of the goods covered by the
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geographical indication to be the product itself or the name and denomination used
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to refer to the goods themselves.
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Sec. 21. Withdrawal of Application. - The application may be withdrawn at any
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time by filing with the Registrar a written declaration of withdrawal signed by the
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applicant or its authorized representative or agent and upon payment of the prescribed
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fee.
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Article VI
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Homonymous Geographical Indications
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Sec. 22. Protection for Homonymous GIs. - In the case of homonymous
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geographical indications for goods as defined in Section 3(i) of this Act, the protection
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shall be accorded to each indication.
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Sec. 23. Differentiation of Homonymous GIs. - The Registrar, in cases of bona
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fide concurrent use of homonymous geographical indications, shall determine the
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practical conditions under which the homonymous geographical indications in question
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will be differentiated from each other, taking into account the need to ensure equitable
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treatment of the producers concerned and that the public are not misled.
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Article VII
Refusal of the Application
Sec. 24. Grounds for Refusal. -The following names shall not be registered as 
a geographical indication and shall be refused:
a) Those which are contrary to laws and regulations, public order, public policy 
or morality;
b) Geographical indications of a foreign country which are not or have ceased 
to be protected in their country or territory of origin;
c) Those which mislead or deceive the public as to the characteristic, nature, 
quality, place of origin, production process of the good and/or its use;
d) Those which consist exclusively of, or identical with, a generic, common or 
customary name of the goods in the Philippines and the geographical 
indication sought to be registered will be applied for the same goods;
e) Those which are identical with or confusingly similar to the name of a plant 
variety or animal breed and is likely to mislead the consumer as to the true 
origin of the goods;
f) Those which do not fall within the prescribed definition of geographical 
indication; and
g) Those which are identical with, or confusingly similar to, or an evocation of, 
an earlier filed or registered geographical indication in the Philippines or in 
a treaty or international agreement of which the Philippines is a member in 
respect of the same goods or closely related goods as to cause confusion.
Sec. 25. Order of Refusal. - Upon proper notification, an Order of Refusal shall 
be issued by the Registrar to the applicant who may appeal the same to the Director 
General in accordance with the Uniform Rules on Appeal. No motion for 
reconsideration of the Registrar's decision is allowed.
Article VIII 
Publication
13


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Section 26. Publication. - When the Registrar finds that the requirements
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prescribed by this Act are satisfied, it shall, upon payment of the prescribed fee,
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forthwith cause the application to be published in the e-Gazette for a period of one
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(1) month. The publication shall include the following:
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a) Application number;
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b) Filing date;
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c) All the details set forth under Section 16 of this Act; and
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d) Other matters which the Registrar may deem necessary.
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Article IX
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Opposition to the Registration of Geographical Indication
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Sec. 27. Opposition. -
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a) Within one (1) month from the publication of the application of the
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geographical indication and upon payment of the prescribed fee, any
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interested person who may be damaged by its registration may file a
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notice to oppose the registrability of the geographical indication before
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the BLA of the IPOPHL.
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The interested party may, in lieu of a notice, file a written request
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for extension of one (1) month for good cause and upon payment of the
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required fee.
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b) Within one (1) month from receipt by the BLA of such notice or request
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for extension, a verified and written opposition, including supporting
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documents, must also be submitted, without need of any notification
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from the BLA. Failure to comply within the prescribed period will result
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in the dismissal of the Opposition. In no case shall the filing of the
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verified opposition exceed two (2) months from the publication date of
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the application.
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c) A copy of the opposition shall be furnished by the BLA to the applicant
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who may comment on it within one (1) month from receipt of the order.
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The opposition will be taken into consideration by the BLA in deciding
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whether to grant or refuse protection t the geographical indication being
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applied for.
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Article X
4 
Term of Protection
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Sec. 28. Finality of Decision; Registration and Term of Protection. - If no
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opposition is filed within the prescribed period, the geographical indication shall be
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granted protection on the day immediately after the last day of publication and entered
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in the Register of Protected Geographical Indications. In case there is an opposition,
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the protection shall be reckoned from the finality of the decision that the geographical
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indication is entitled to registration and protection. The registered geographical
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indication is protected for an unlimited term until or unless revoked with finality.
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Article XI
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Amendment
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Sec. 29. Amendment of an Application or Registration. - The application for
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registration or the registration of a geographical indication may be amended, at the
16 
request of the applicant or registrant, to correct the formalities in the application or
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registration and the details in the Manual of Specifications.
18 
Article XII
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Cancellation of Registration; Dispute Resolution
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Sec. 30. Cancellation of Registration. - At any time, upon payment of the
21 
prescribed fee and upon a verified petition by any interested person that the protection
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of geographical indication accorded under Section 7 of this Act is no longer warranted,
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due notice and opportunity to be heard shall be given to the registrant and if the same
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petition is found to be meritorious, the BLA shall cancel the registration based on any
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of the following grounds:
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a) The conditions for protection specified under Section 3(g) of this Act have
2 
not been fulfilled;
3 
b) There has been a change in the geographical origin of the goods including
4 
the natural and human factors, which are determinative of the quality,
5 
reputation or characteristics of the goods bearing a geographical indication
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and such change results in the disqualification;
7 
c) Based on the ruling or decision of the court or tribunal, the applicant-
8 
registrant referred to under Section 13 of this Act has no effective control
9 
over the use of the geographical indication, standards of production of the
10 
goods and other product specifications;
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d) The registration of the geographical indication was obtained through false
12 
statements and documents during the course of the application; and
13 
e) The registered or protected geographical indication has been proven to be
14 
generic or a common or customary name of the goods covered thereby in
15 
the Philippines prior to the grant of protection.
16 
Sec. 31. Notice of Verified Petition. -The BLA shall notify and furnish a copy of
17 
the verified petition to the concerned registrant of the geographical indication who
18 
may comment to it within one (1) month from receipt of the order.
19 
The period to file the comment may be extended for another one (1) month
20 
upon written request of the registrant for good and sufficient cause and upon payment
21 
of the required fee. Thereafter, the petition shall be submitted for decision of the
22 
Director of the BLA. In no case shall the filing of the comment exceed two (2) months
23 
from the date of receipt of the notice to comment.
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Sec. 32. Appeal. -The decision of the BU\ shall be final and executory unless
25 
appealed to the office of the Director General as provided under the uniform rules on
26 
appeal. No motion for reconsideration of the BLA Director's decision is allowed.
27 
Sec. 33. Dispute Resolution. - Notwithstanding any contrary provision in the
28 
Manual of Specifications, if the approval of the association cannot be obtained as
29 
regards the formulation and/or implementation of any of the provisions and
30 
requirements in the Manual, including control processes and standards, and labeling
31 
rules, the same shall also be referred to the BLA for mediation as provided under the
32 
implementing rules.
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In case of any internal dispute, or any issue on the use and/or misuse of the 
geographical indication on the products specified in the registration by members of 
the applicant/registrant or authorized users thereof, or those involving conflicts and 
issues in the admission of stakeholders to the association and/or in imposing 
prohibitions on use of the registered geographical indication, these may be referred 
to the BLA for mediation as governed by the relevant implementing rules and 
regulations.
If the settlement agreement involves the implementation of the Manual of 
Specifications, the same is subject to review by the Registrar and/or any certifying 
government agency if the issue relates to the causal link of the products with the 
geographical area or any technical information on the product specification embodied 
in the Manual of Specifications. Upon clearance by the Registrar and/or certifying 
government agency, the settlement agreement shall be deemed final and will be 
incorporated in the Manual of Specifications.
In the event mediation proceedings fail, the parties may be referred to the BLA 
for arbitration as provided in the rules and regulations.
Article XIII 
Exceptions
Section 34. Prior Users of Geographical Indications and Trademarks. -
1. Nothing in this Act shall prevent the continued or similar use of a 
particular geographical indication of another country identifying goods 
in connection with goods or services by any national or domiciliary of 
the Philippines or any national with real or effective commercial 
establishment in, or doing business in the Philippines, who have used 
said geographical indication in a continuous manner with regard to the 
same or related goods or services in the Philippines either -
a. For at least 10 years before April 15, 1994; or
b. In good faith before April 15, 1994.
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2. Where the trademark has been applied for or registered in good faith, 
or where rights to a trademark have been acquired through use in good 
faith either -
a. Before the effectivity of this Act; or
b. Before the geographical indication is protected in its country of 
origin.
Measures adopted to implement this Act shall not prejudice the eligibility for, 
or the validity of the registration of the trademark, or the right to use a trademark, on 
the basis that such trademark is identical with or similar to, a geographical indication.
Article XIV
Indigenous Cultural Communities / Indigenous Peoples
Sec. 35. Additional mechanism. - Considering the rights accorded to the 
indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples under the pertinent laws and 
international instruments, this Act shall serve as an additional mechanism towards 
recognition of the full ownership, control, and protection of their cultural and 
intellectual rights.
Sec. 36. Filing and compiiance assistance. - Recognizing the importance and 
benefits of protecting, promoting and preserving traditional knowledge and traditional 
cultural expressions through geographical indications, the IPOPHL shall endeavor to 
capacitate and assist the indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples in the 
filing of their applications and compliance of the prescribed requirements.
Sec. 37. Waiver of fees. - The Director General is authorized to grant partial or 
total waiver of fees for applications filed by recognized indigenous cultural 
communities/indigenous peoples prescribed by the Bureau relevant to the 
geographical indication registration.
Sec. 38. Non-diminution of rights. - Nothing in this Act may be construed as 
diminishing or extinguishing the rights that indigenous cultural communities/ 
indigenous peoples have or may acquire in the future.
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Article XV
2 
Infringement of Geographical Indications/
3 
Sanctions and Penalties
4 
Sec. 39. Infringement of Geographical Indications. - Any willful use of
5 
registered geographical indications in a manner prescribed under Section 8 of this Act,
6 
without the consent or authorization from the registrant, is considered as an
7 
infringement and offense against the economic interest of the State. The State can
8 
motu proprio take administrative or legal measures to enforce protection of
9 
geographical indication against the infringers.
10 
Sec. 40. Penalties. - Independent of civil and administrative sanctions imposed
11 
by law, a criminal penalty of imprisonment from two (2) to five (5) years and a fine
12 
ranging from five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) to one million pesos
13 
(PI,000,000.00), shall be imposed on any person who is found guilty of committing
14 
infringement of geographical indications.
15 
Article XVI
16 
Final Provisions
17 
Sec. 41. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the conduct of activities
18 
and projects in relation to capacity-building, research and development, and
19 
assistance to potential and registered geographical indication producers shall be
20 
sourced from the budgets of the different government agencies tasked to implement
21 
the same.
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Sec. 42. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days after
23 
the effectivity of this Act, the IPOPHL, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders,
24 
shall formulate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) necessary to carry out
25 
the provisions of this Act.
26 
The IRR shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
27 
a) Procedures and requirements for the registration, use, and protection of
28 
geographical indications;
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b) Guidelines for the formulation and approval of the Manual of
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Specifications, including provisions for grading systems and inclusive
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mechanisms for small producers;
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c) Mechanisms for dispute resolution and enforcement;
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d) Procedures for recognizing traditional goodwill through affidavit and
6 
community-based documentation; and
7 
e) Eligibility criteria and indicators for sustainable and social enterprises in
8 
coordination with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
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Sec. 43. Communication and Education Plan. - The IPOPHL shall develop and
10 
publish a National Communication and Education Plan for Protected Geographical
11 
Indications within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of the Implementing Rules and
12 
Regulations (IRR). This plan shall serve as a foundational tool for promoting
13 
understanding, compliance, and accessibility of the GI system for all stakeholders,
14 
especially small producers, ICCs/IPs, and local communities.
15 
The penal provisions under this Act shall not take effect until the
16 
Communication and Education Plan has been completed, published, and made publicly
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accessible in accordance with this section.
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a) A plain-language overview of the Protected Geographical Indications (GI)
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law, its purpose, core protections, and the roles of various stakeholders,
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including producers, associations, LGUs, ICCs/IPs, certifiers, and
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enforcement agencies;
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b) Step-by-step guides to registration, including documentary requirements,
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indicative fees, timelines, and simplified pathways for small producers and
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Indigenous communities;
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c) Illustrative examples of acceptable and prohibited uses of GIs across
26 
multiple sectors (e.g., agricultural goods, handicrafts, beverages), and how
27 
these apply in marketing, labeling, and packaging;
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d) Multiple real-life or hypothetical case scenarios of GI infringement, misuse,
29 
and evocation—including examples involving rebranding, false origin claims,
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and dilution through unfair competition;
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e) Illustrative benefits of GI registration, such as increased market value,
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access to niche export markets, preservation of traditional knowledge,
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consumer trust, and community-level development—highlighting successful 
local and international models (e.g., Guimaras mango, Cordillera rice, 
Kampot pepper, Darjeeling tea);
f) Clear messaging that encourages producers to register, join recognized 
associations, and participate in the GI system, emphasizing long-term 
benefits over compliance burdens;
g) Materials translated into Filipino and major regional languages as necessary, 
tailored for varying literacy levels and cultural contexts;
h) Printable and digital versions of all materials, made publicly available 
through the IPOPHL website and official portals, and disseminated to local 
government units (LGUs), producers' cooperatives, and relevant 
government agencies;
i) Dedicated training toolkits for ICCs/IPs, small producers, local certifiers, and 
technical facilitators—including visual materials, FAQs, videos, and learning 
modules suited for field deployment; and
j) A set of standard application forms, affidavits, compliance checklists, and 
grievance submission templates, available in English, Filipino, and, where 
applicable, translated into major regional or indigenous languages to ensure 
accessibility by traditional producers and local communities.
Sec. 44. Open Data and Public Access. - To foster public trust and 
transparency, the IPOPHL shall maintain an Open GI Information Portal containing up- 
to-date and searchable information on:
a) The Register of Protected Geographical Indications;
b) Approved Manuals of Specifications;
c) Grading criteria, if applicable;
d) Issued certificates of registration and compliance;
e) Petitions for cancellation or opposition;
f) Reported and adjudicated violations and resolutions.
All information shall be made publicly accessible online, subject to applicable 
data privacy and trade secret exceptions under the law.
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Sec. 45. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). - The IPOPHL shall establish a
2 
Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the implementation of this Act, in
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coordination with relevant government agencies and civil society stakeholders.
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The M&E framework shall include:
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a) Periodic evaluation of GI registrations, use, and enforcement;
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b) Stakeholder feedback mechanisms, particularly from small producers,
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ICCs/IPs, and consumers;
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c) Key performance indicators (KPIs) related to GI protection, accessibility,
9 
economic impact, and inclusiveness;
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d) An annual public report to Congress and the public, highlighting progress,
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challenges, and recommended reforms.
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The results of these evaluations shall guide policy refinements and
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supplemental programs to improve the effectiveness and inclusivity of GI protection
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in the Philippines.
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Sec. 46. Preference for Sustainable and Social Enterprises. - In the
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implementation of this Act and related support programs, government agencies shall
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give due preference to geographical indication producers and associations that
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operate as sustainable enterprises or are registered as social enterprises,
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cooperatives, or community-based organizations.
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Such preference may be reflected through:
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a) Prioritized technical assistance, training, and access to certification;
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b) Reduced fees, waivers, or subsidized compliance support;
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c) Inclusion in promotional campaigns and GI branding initiatives;
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d) Access to public procurement, export assistance, and rural development
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programs, in coordination with concerned agencies.
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Sec. 47. Non-Discrimination. - The implementation of this Act shall be guided
27 
by the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and non-discrimination. No producer,
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association. Indigenous Cultural Community/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IP),
29 
cooperative, or local enterprise shall be denied access to the benefits and protection
30 
of a geographical indication on the basis of size, capacity, ethnicity, gender, economic
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status, or traditional methods of production, provided they meet the minimum
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requirements of the Manual of Specifications.
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In the formulation and enforcement of grading systems, control processes, and
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rules of use, implementing agencies and registered associations shall ensure that no
3 
provision shall unjustly exclude qualified smallholders, marginalized producers, or
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historically recognized local actors. The Registrar shall have the authority to review
5 
and invalidate any practice that results in unjust or arbitrary exclusion.
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Sec. 48. Transitory Provision. - Geographical indications registered by the
7 
IPOPHL under Republic Act No. 8293 and its regulations prior to the effectivity of this
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Act shall remain valid and effective. They shall automatically be transferred to, and
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form part of, the register created under this Act.
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Sec. 49. Repeaiing Ciause. - All laws, acts, presidential decrees or
11 
proclamations, issuances, executive orders, letters of instruction, administrative
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orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with any of the provisions
13 
of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
14 
Sec. 50. Separabiiity Ciause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
15 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall
16 
remain in full force and effect.
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Sec. 51. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
18 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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