“These days, criminals and pirates have also grown in sophistication such that they are able to ammas millions just by sitting in front of their computers,” said a statement posted to Facebook by Philippines-based Stratbase ADR Institute on April 27, 2024
“This is the impetus for the (Philippines) Senate to pass the anti-online piracy bills now pending before it. The bills, if passed into law, will amend the existing IP law and allow authorities to go after pirates faster and more efficiently before they do any more damage,” said the Statement.
Incidents of piracy were measured at 70%, based on research published by the Asia Video Industry Association in 2024, up by 12% from 2023. While site blocking rules went into effect in the Philippines in late 2023, the interval between an initial site blocking request and the final response can approach a month.
“The original creators do not get commensurate financial rewards from the commitment and hard work they put into their projects,” continued the Statement. “They suffer disillusionment and frustration, sometimes going to the extent of stopping altogether or working in other industries that are more financially lucrative.”
Further reading
An affront to the integrity and fairness of work. Stratbase ADR Institute Statement. Facebook post. April 27, 2024. Stratbase ADR Institute
AVIA: Piracy rates highest via social media and messaging channels in 2024, by far. Article. May 2, 2024. by Steven Hawley. Piracy Monitor
Industry applauds Philippines site blocking rule but stakeholders must be patient. Article. October 4, 2023. by Steven Hawley. Piracy Monitor
Why it matters
Stratbase ADR Institute noted that while the Philippines does have laws that protect intellectual property, they were passed in 1997 at a time when today’s technologies were either nascent or non-existent.
“For so long, pirates have subsisted and flourished by taking control of what belongs to others,” said the statement. “In the digital age, pirates have also upgraded their trade, this time by taking the benefits of the creative works done by other people, illegally distributing them, and earning from them.
