Proposed law bans foreign teleseryes on prime time TV

MANILA, Philippines - You will no longer see your favorite Koreanovela on prime time television if this House bill becomes a law.

Former Manila mayor and now Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza has filed House Bill 3839, a proposed law prohibiting the broadcast of foreign television series, also known as teleseryes, during prime time.

Prime time is the peak time slot of television broadcasts, usually between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on weekdays.

Atienza pointed out that while it is entertaining to watch television shows from neighboring countries such as South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, the proliferation of such shows reduces the time available for Philippine-produced shows.

"Foreign teleseryes have been eating into the prime time schedules of television companies, and thereby push the Philippine-produced shows to unfavorable timeslots," Atienza said.

Atienza said the State should protect the local entertainment industry and promote creativity needed to spur production and increase employment.

"I know that my proposal will cause controversy, but there is need to regulate the entry of foreign teleseryes into primetime programming to promote local creativity and empower Philippine producers to create content and employ more local talents," Atienza said.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Public Information.