Celebs call on Senate to boost Intellectual Property Code, enable online site blocking
The Philippine creative, entertainment and digital industries have joined hands to push for the Senate’s swift passage of amendments to the Intellectual Property (IP) Code to enable online site blocking. This is seen as a measure to combat content piracy, safeguard intellectual property rights, and foster the growth of Filipino talent and creativity.
Lending their voices and support to the cause are actors Ryan Eigenmann, Cai Cortez and Kiray Celis; host and presenter Pia Guanio-Mago; and writer-director Fifth Solomon. Together, they amplify the call for shared responsibility in combating online piracy to ensure that Filipino talents are duly recognized, protected and rewarded.
Their support follows recent calls from multiawarded actor John Arcilla and leading actress Shaina Magdayao for the Senate to pass amendments enabling online site blocking and commit to stopping piracy.
Online piracy inflicts extensive harm on the ecosystem of the creative and entertainment industry, which comprises a multitude of professionals operating both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. The group underscores the depth of the problem’s impact and the urgent need for legislative measures to combat it.
‘Empowering our creators’
“Enabling online site blocking represents a critical step forward in our journey towards creating a safer digital landscape. It’s about empowering our creators and ensuring that they are safeguarded against the unfair practices of online piracy. With this measure, we look forward to a future where Filipino talent is free from the constraints of digital theft,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s chief sustainability and corporate communications Officer.
The proposal to allow online site blocking under the 26-year-old Intellectual Property Code seeks to protect both the creative industry and consumers by curbing the proliferation of pirate websites and prevent legitimate content businesses from suffering revenue loss due to online theft.
Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda’s House Bill No. 7600, which seeks this amendment, was already passed by the House of Representatives almost a year ago. Counterpart bills in the Senate, introduced by Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., both actors, have yet to advance.
These separate legislations aim to update and strengthen the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines by enhancing the enforcement capabilities of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) against piracy.
The bills also seek to remove the IP Code’s existing limitations by broadening its scope to encompass electronic and online content within the definition of pirated goods.
First of its kind
Through its #PlayItRight campaign, Globe has been actively combating online piracy and championing a responsible digital ecosystem for the past six years. The company is convinced that the IP Code amendment will protect the rights and livelihood of content creators and industries reliant on intellectual creativity, as well as foster ethical consumption and distribution of digital content.
To provide an interim site-blocking measure pending passage of amendment bill, Globe earlier joined forces with the IPOPHL and four leading Internet Service Providers by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a site-blocking mechanism targeting pirate sites, marking Asia’s first initiative of its kind.
