Pass site-blocking bill before election fever heats up – group

A site-blocking bill filed in the Senate must be approved before the election season heats up, according to consumer advocacy group CitizenWatch Philippines. The organization said the site-blocking bill aims to amend Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code. The group added that if it becomes law, the proposed measure will address the rampant online piracy in the Philippines. COMPOSITE IMAGE. INQUIRER FILES / STOCK

MANILA, Philippines — Consumer advocacy group CitizenWatch Philippines called for the passage of a site-blocking bill filed in the Senate before the election season heats up.

In a statement, Kit Belmonte, former legislator and co-convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, said the site-blocking bill aims to amend Republic Act No. 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code.

“The measure aims to protect the Philippines’ creative industries from online piracy and bolster cybersecurity by allowing authorities to block websites that violate intellectual property rights,” Belmonte said.

“This bill is not only about protecting intellectual property; it’s about safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos in the creative industry, from filmmakers and musicians to small content creators who suffer due to unchecked piracy,” he added.

READ: Blocking of sites with pirated content pushed

According to Belmonte, the site-blocking bill—if it becomes law—will address the rampant online piracy in the Philippines.

He noted how the digital landscape has rapidly evolved, “outpacing existing laws and leaving creators increasingly vulnerable to piracy.”

“Every day we delay, more Filipinos are exposed to cyber risks like malware, identity theft, and online scams. The dangers are immediate, and this bill is a vital step in protecting both our creative industry and the digital security of our people,” Belmonte said.