Digital piracy continues to trouble the Philippine media sector. In response, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has launched a series of new videos in collaboration with leading broadcast network GMA, as part of a campaign to combat digital piracy in the Philippines.
The new media campaign, led by actors from GMA’s hit show Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, makes an appeal to the audience by emphasizing the cybersecurity risks that come with accessing pirated digital content, including malware and theft of personal data.
“Be careful with free downloads. If it’s too good to be true, I’m sure it’s pirated,” cautions actress Rhian Ramos in one video. Ramos joins her co-stars in urging audiences to watch shows on legitimate streaming platforms for their own safety.
Working relationship
IPOPHL and GMA enjoy a strong working partnership in combating digital piracy in the Philippines. In 2023, both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to affirm their commitment to safeguarding IP rights in the creative industry and establish a framework for collaborations. They have since collaborated on several joint projects, including the 2nd Philippine International Copyright Summit and a symposium on piracy and cybercrime in 2024. IPOPHL has also been a supporter of the TV network’s anti-piracy campaigns.
“GMA has been a steadfast partner in the fight against piracy,” said IPOPHL Acting Director Nathaniel S. Arevalo. “We are happy to reaffirm our mutual commitment to building a vibrant and prolific media landscape in the Philippines, built on a foundation of responsible consumption and respect for intellectual property.
Why it matters
A 2024 consumer survey by the Asia Video Industry Association’s Coalition Against Piracy found that 70% of consumers access illegal sources online, trending upward; highlighting the need for stronger collaboration among industry players, government and other partners to curb piracy.
“Piracy threatens the very foundation of creative industries. Through our strengthened partnership with IPOPHL, GMA Network reaffirms its commitment to protecting Filipino content creators and ensuring that their work is respected, valued, and legally safeguarded,” said Atty. Vinney Ibarra of GMA’s Legal Affairs department.
Further reading
IPOPHL joins GMA and Sang’gre cast in spreading awareness of digital piracy, cybersecurity risks. Press release. October 28, 2025. by Rawl Maliwat, Communications and Marketing Writer. Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL)
AVIA: Piracy rates highest via social media and messaging channels in 2024, by far. Article. May 2, 2024. by Steven Hawley. Piracy Monitor
IPOPHL and GMA forge alliance to combat counterfeiting, piracy, other IP violations. Press release. October 24, 2023. Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL)
