Senate hearing on bills vs online piracy slated next week

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate Trade and Industry Committee will tackle on April 23 two bills on amending the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines to enable online site blocking and safeguard intellectual property rights.

The two bills also seek to strengthen the functions and powers of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

According to the Office of Sen. Mark Villar, who chairs the committee, the panel would conduct public hearing on proposed Senate Bill Nos. 2150 and 2385, which were considered as their priority measures.

The IPOPHL will be attending public hearing and will be one of the speakers, Villar's office said.

The proposed measures also aim to remove the IP Code's existing limitations by broadening its scope to encompass electronic and online content within the definition of pirated goods.

The House of Representatives has already passed in May 2023 the counterpart bill — House Bill No. 7600, which was filed by Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda.

“Our laws must also respond to prevalent and more advanced forms of piracy and counterfeiting nowadays and with this proposed law, we hope to support governmental efforts that would protect intellectual property,” House Speaker Martin Romualdez earlier said.

Entertainment personalities had urged the Senate for swift passage of the amendments to the Intellectual Property Code to enable online site blocking and stop piracy.