Abstract:
The problem of piracy is one of the concerns of local film industries. Severe
cutting down of film production resulted as losses were experienced. Even businesses
producing computer software’s expressed their sentiments against the chronic problem of
piracy in the country. The Philippines is still included in the “watch list” of the United
States in the intellectual property violators. Consequently, the country has adopted
several changes to deal with the problem.
One of the changes adopted was the reorganization of the Video gram Regulatory
Board. This was replaced by the Optical Media Board (OMB) which is now headed by
Eduardo Manzano. With the new board, it was expected that greater achievements will be
accomplished regarding curtailing piracy in the country. Unfortunately, as evident in
many places, particularly in Quiapo, piracy has not been solved nor has it been lessened.
In fact, many people still opt to buy pirated discs because of their affordable prices.
This study revealed the reasons why elimination of piracy is still not realized.
There are factors which are actually beyond the control of the Optical Media Board.
These factors include budgetary constraints and shortage in manpower. The Board has to
deal with these internal limitations and settle with what the government had provided. In
addition, outside factors also affects the operations of the Board. These are first, the
politics behind the implementation of OMB’s activities, second, the judicial system in the
Philippines, third, the local government unit, fourth, the general status of poverty in the
Philippines, fifth, the general perception of people in the issues of piracy and artists’
protection, and last, the political will of the Arroyo administration. For the most part, these factors appear to be outside the domain of influence of the OMB. Hence, changes
are hard to come by.
However, the Optical Media Board also has its shortcomings as well. The Board
needs to strengthen its information campaigns and coordination with other agencies; and
employ rigid measures for the implementation of the law. The Board must also ensure the
eradication or, at least, the lessening of the padrino system and espouse strict prosecution
of cases.
