A consumer group has urged the Senate to hasten the passage of two bills that would curb online piracy content as it would solve the worsening cases of internet scams.
In an official statement, the Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente (BK3) consumer group emphasized the need to update the law in relation to these cases, specifically the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
“Hindi na sapat ang mga batas natin ngayon para maprotektahan ang mga magagandang obra ng ating mga manlilikhang Pilipino,” the statement read.
BK3 also expressed its concern on the issue as the continued online piracy would adversely affect the creative industries in the country and would result to revenue loss.
“Habang tumatagal ang pag-aksyon ng ating mga mambabatas na maipagbago ang halos tatlumpung-taong gulang na Intellectual Property Code na hindi na nakakahabol at nakakatugon sa tawag ng panahon, lumalaki ang pagkalugi ng ating Creative Industries, hindi lang sa usapin ng kita, kundi sa unti-unting paglikas ng ating mga manlilikha na baka umabot sa pagkamatay ng kanilang industriya,” the consumer group said.
Earlier, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said that due to online piracy, the country has lost $781 million in 2022 and if remained unaddressed, the revenue loss would increase up to $1 billion.
On April 30, the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship chaired by Senator Mark Villar conducted a hearing regarding the two bills—Senate Bill Nos. (SBN) 2150 and 2385 which seek to amend the IP Code of the Philippines.
Villar said the passage of these bills would protect the creative industries and solve the issues on online piracy.
Consumer group urges Senate to expedite passing of anti-online piracy bills
