“Let us stand together to protect Filipino creativity, secure thousands of livelihoods, and build a safer digital future for all”
The huge economic potential of the Philippine entertainment industry is being strangled by the relentless grip of online piracy.
The long-delayed Site Blocking Bill, currently stalled in the Senate, holds the key to unleashing the regulatory power that can rescue this vital sector from economic ruin and safeguarding millions of Filipino consumers from the hidden dangers of cybercrime.
Yet, despite the loud and unified calls from industry leaders, consumer advocates, and stakeholders, the legislation remains in limbo. This inaction is not just a legislative oversight—it is a self-inflicted blow to our economic interests, and digital security.
Intellectual property theft is not a petty crime.
It is driven by sophisticated cybercriminals who exploit technological loopholes to siphon billions from the creative sector.
In 2022 alone, the Philippine entertainment industry lost P781 million due to rampant online video piracy—a staggering figure reflecting lost profits, jobs, shuttered studios, and stifled creativity.
From directors and writers to lighting crews and makeup artists, thousands of livelihoods suffer due to unchecked piracy and weak enforcement mechanisms.
The 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival, despite surpassing its P800 million box office target, faced relentless piracy.
Illegal download links for films like “And The Breadwinner Is…” and “Hello, Love, Again” circulated freely on social media, undermining months of hard work and significant investments.
Piracy syndicates brazenly advertise lifetime access to pirated movies for as little as ₱249, offering consumers an illegal and dangerous alternative. These syndicates also exploit cloud storage platforms to distribute stolen content, crippling the industry’s y to generate rightful revenue.
Piracy sites are not harmless alternatives—they are conduits for cybercrime.
Research shows Filipino consumers are nearly 30 times more likely to encounter malware on piracy sites, exposing them to phishing scams, identity theft, and financial fraud. This is not just an economic issue but a severe cybersecurity threat, leaving millions vulnerable.
Globally, site blocking has proven effective against piracy.
The UK, France, and Italy have seen piracy rates drop by up to 95 percent after implementing site-blocking laws.
South Korea and Indonesia reported reductions of 98 percent and 95 percent, respectively. These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of decisive legislative action in protecting industries and consumers.
Meanwhile, cybercriminals continue to exploit the Philippines’ weak cybersecurity.
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines has made progress through voluntary administrative site blocking, targeting notorious sites like YTS, Sflix, and MyFlixer.
However, without stronger legal authority, these efforts remain limited. The Site Blocking Bill would empower authorities to swiftly cut off access to illegal sites, especially during critical periods when new content is most vulnerable.
Many of these piracy websites are operated by cybercriminals based abroad, beyond the reach of local law enforcement, making it even more challenging to hold them accountable.
These operators can collect sensitive personal information, such as mobile phone numbers, which can then be exploited for fraudulent schemes or sold on the dark web.
Site blocking does not infringe on internet freedom, it targets illegal operations—criminal enterprises that profit from intellectual property theft and endanger users.
It does not threaten legitimate online activity but redirects consumers to safe, legal alternatives, fostering a healthier digital ecosystem where creators are fairly compensated, and consumers are protected.
The urgency to pass the Site Blocking Bill cannot be overstated.
Every day of delay deepens the wounds inflicted on the entertainment industry and heightens risks to Filipino consumers.
The Senate must act decisively to protect cultural industries and safeguard the public from escalating cyber threats linked to piracy.
The creative sector is not just entertainment; it is a cornerstone of our national identity and a significant economic contributor.
As a consumer advocate, I urge lawmakers to prioritize passing the Site Blocking Bill. It is a critical step toward a future where Filipino creativity thrives, and consumers safely enjoy the productions of a vibrant entertainment industry.
Let us stand together to protect Filipino creativity, secure thousands of livelihoods, and build a safer digital future for all. If the Site Blocking Bill dies in this Congress, the piracy syndicates will enjoy more lucrative years of digital thievery – and every internet and social media user in the country will be targeted.