Urgent action needed vs online piracy as Congress session nears end

As the 2025 election season approaches, the urgency to pass the long-overdue bill allowing site blocking in the Philippines has never been clearer. A recent study by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), presented at a recent anti-piracy symposium organized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and industry leaders, reveals a dangerous reality. Filipino consumers who use pirate sites are up to 33 times more likely to encounter cyber threats than users of legitimate streaming platforms. Yet, unless Congress acts now, the proposed bill authorizing site-blocking could be left in limbo, jeopardizing both consumer safety and the creative industry.

The study, led by Dr. Paul Watters of Macquarie University, highlights that the Philippines’ high internet and mobile usage makes it an appealing target for pirates who leverage illegal sites to harvest data and exploit consumers. Pirate sites, he noted, allow cybercriminals to gather personal information without the hurdles involved in hacking legitimate sites. This creates a treacherous digital landscape for Filipinos who unknowingly expose themselves to malware and phishing schemes each time they access pirated content.

“Site-blocking of the most popular pirate sites is the most effective baseline option,” Dr. Watters emphasized during the symposium. Given the scope of cyber risks and data exploitation that piracy facilitates, legislative action to enable site blocking is crucial.

Piracy’s Toll on the Creative Industry

Piracy has left deep scars on the Philippine creative industry, which once flourished with an annual output of over 200 films, according to seasoned actor and former Optical Media Board head Edu Manzano. Today, that number has plummeted to fewer than 30 films per year. Industry stalwarts like Manzano are speaking out, calling on Congress to pass a law that would offer real protection for local content.

Manzano recalled how the rise of piracy left thousands of film industry workers unemployed. “To this day, the industry has not recovered,” he said at the symposium.

For actress Shaina Magdayao, piracy has discouraged investments in Filipino films and entertainment, limiting what could otherwise be a thriving industry. “At the end of the day, to be honest, as a worker myself, show business is a business. If walang ROI ang producers and investors because people are not willing to go to the cinemas anymore or pay legit streaming channels, producers won’t be investing in
our talent and work anymore or even funds to train, educate, and hone the talents of emerging filmmakers in the country,” Magdayao said.

Magdayao emphasized the damage piracy does to the potential of the Filipino film industry to reach an international audience, a dream stifled by the persistent threat of illegal streaming. “We have beautiful locations, beautiful people, and talents… but how will we, as talents and as an industry, grow and expand if no one invests? Piracy limits Filipinos from reaching global cinema na kayang-kaya naman sana natin, given the proper opportunity, help, and support.”

A Call for Congress to Prioritize Site-Blocking

As the election season ramps up, Congress has a narrow window to prioritize and pass the anti-piracy bill. Without action now, the bill will lapse, and the efforts to address piracy will be delayed as it goes back to square one in the next Congress. The upcoming elections may shift legislative priorities, but safeguarding Filipino consumers and the creative economy should be a priority that transcends political agendas.

Passing this bill would send a clear message: that the Philippines values and protects its artists, consumers, and cultural assets. It’s time for Congress to act decisively, ensuring that Filipino consumers are not left vulnerable to cybercriminals and that our creative industry can thrive without the debilitating effects of piracy.