OMB chief says no piracy of MMFF films

MANILA, Philippines - Last year OMB Chairman Ronnie Ricketts of the Optical Media Board launched a highly successful campaign versus piracy of the MMFF 2009 entries. He was lauded by the entire film industry for this feat, with no less than Sen. Bong Revilla Jr. leading the recognition of the OMB’s accomplishment.

For this year, Ricketts promises a repeat of the Zero Film Piracy for the MMFF official entries. Ricketts is once more coordinating with our Muslim brothers to help him in this year’s campaign with much success because they believe in the Chair’s sincerity in the performance of his duties.

Under the helm of Chair Ricketts, the OMB has indeed risen to fulfill its motto: “Sugpuin ang Pirata, Tulungan ang Ekonomiya!”

Aside from actively leading the raids being conducted by the OMB, Ricketts has become a model and inspiration to his staff because of his sincerity, dedication and hardworking attitude. He also sustains the basketball exhibition matches, campus tours with movie stars in coordination with the barangay captains of different localities to help in the fight against film piracy. He also teaches the OMB staff and employees martial arts every Monday, free of charge, and leads the Running Club every Thursday.

For love of his work at OMB, Ricketts, an action star, has turned down three movie offers because he chooses to concentrate on doing his job, a dangerous one considering that he can’t help but step on the toes of some influential and rich ‘film pirates’. Foremost on his mind is accomplishing the mandate of his office which he believes will help revive the local movie industry.

The Film Academy for Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) has also recognized the dedication of Ricketts (photo) by giving him the FPJ Memorial Award.