The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) projects that the Philippines’ creative economy could contribute as much as ₱2 trillion to the country’s gross domestic product this year, building on the ₱1.94 trillion in gross value added it recorded in 2024, an 8.7% increase from the previous year. This growth reflects the rising strength of Filipino talent in film, music, gaming, design, and digital content, but also underscores the urgency of protecting the sector from piracy.
“The creative industry has the potential to be one of the Philippines’ most powerful drivers of growth. Protecting it from piracy means protecting jobs, investments, and the future of Filipino talent,” said Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz. “Every illegal download is a peso taken from Filipino artists and the economy. We cannot allow illegal sites to rob creators of their hard work and deprive the economy of billions in value.”
Online piracy remains a persistent threat. Illegal streaming and downloading sites not only divert revenues away from creators and businesses but also expose consumers to scams, malware, and identity theft.
In the 19th Congress, House Bill 7600 authored by former Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda of Albay’s 2nd District, then Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, was approved on Third Reading in May 2023. Companion bills were filed in the Senate by former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Senators Joel Villanueva, Loren Legarda, and Mark Villar. While the measures advanced through two public hearings, they did not move forward as the Senate Committee on Trade did not complete a committee report.
With the 20th Congress now in session, Globe is urging lawmakers in both Houses to refile and pass site-blocking legislation that will empower the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to order telecommunications operators to block piracy websites. Such a move is critical to securing the growth of the creative economy and protecting Filipino consumers from online harm.
Passing site-blocking legislation is a critical step in ensuring Filipino artists, musicians, animators, and writers are fairly compensated, while preserving the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global creative economy where site-blocking is already a standard practice.
Globe has long worked with government and industry partners to curb piracy through awareness campaigns, stronger consumer protection measures, and enforcement support. As one of the country’s leading telecommunications operators, Globe expressed readiness to comply with site-blocking orders once enabled by law.
