USTR Removes PHL from Watchlist

Malacañang has welcomed the announcement made by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), removing the Philippines from its Special 301 Watch List after consistently appearing in it for the past 20 years.

The Special 301 Watch List is prepared annually by the USTR to track “countries that deny adequate and effective protection for intellectual property rights (IPR) or deny fair and equitable market access for persons that rely on intellectual property protection.”

In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the USTR’s announcement recognizes the recent reforms championed by the Aquino administration, as a consequence of significant changes in IPR legislation and regulation.

“This serves as a testament to the government’s continuing commitment to uphold the rights of professionals and consumers alike, ensuring that their hard work is recognized and protected by legislation. We welcome this recognition from the USTR, along with their promise to maintain a positive engagement with the Philippines,” he said.

Lacierda added that this development “marks a significant step forward as we harmonize our IPR protection efforts with those of other nations, never tiring in the task of safeguarding the rights of our citizens.”

“Rest assured that we will continue to strive in the same vein, as we reap even more achievements and work toward greater success,” he said.

The USTR made the announcement on Monday, two days before the scheduled release date of the Special 301 Watch List on April 30, to coincide with the state visit of US President Barack Obama to the Philippines on April 28-29.

The USTR, in coming up with the decision, cited the laudable civil and administrative gains made by Philippine authorities in IPR enforcement and protection, according to reports.

The Philippines continuously appeared on the watch list since 1994. It was one of only two countries removed by the USTR from the list this year, Israel being the other.

Image Credit: rappler.com