Press Release
September 4, 2009

IMPROVE RP INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW,
ATTRACT MORE INVESTORS - ANGARA

Sen. Edgardo J. Angara urges the Senate to amend the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines to include broadcast materials openly shared on the internet. This he reiterates today while hosting the first International Renewable Energy and Agriculture Conference (REACCT 2009) in Manila.

"One of our weak points, as well as that of the entire continent in general, in attracting investors from the renewable energy sector is the issue of piracy, especially on open exchange online. We have to curb this and impose more defined mandates and penalties to violators," asserts Sen. Angara, Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science and Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), an office he jointly hosted last week's conference with.

The proposed amendment of the existing IPC will integrate a more comprehensive and efficient strategies to respond to the upsurge of internet piracy and give recognition to the rights of research and experts, surveyors, authors of significant literature on technological advancements, performers, producers and broadcasters as accorded authors of the artistic and literally works; acknowledging their right to control or be compensated for which their works are enjoyed by others. It will also recognize the rights to distribution and rental, and rights to claim fees for certain forms of literature, broadcast or communication to the public, especially with regard to the trend on online sharing of files and documents.

"These 'internet treaties' were intended to modernize and supplement the existing international treaties on copyright. The treaties respond to critical issues formed by the introduction of digital technologies, especially in the area of dissemination of protected material over the internet," notes Sen. Angara, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.

Aside from the consequent backlash to royalties and revenues for affected experts, scientists, artists and producers, the Philippines, and Asia in general, also suffers a reputation of being an unsafe haven for investors in digital technology-based businesses such as software development, studies, film production houses and multi-media ventures. Even legitimate video and music shops and rental outlets have closed down due to the rampancy of pirated goods in the market.

"The goal of this bill is to provide an internet environment where it is safe to distribute and license protected material. In an increasingly global arena, nothing less than a global effort will ensure the effective protection and development of intellectual property," notes Sen. Angara. More stringent penalties are likewise recommended for rights-violators, while immediate judicial relief and alternative options are proposed to be accorded actual and potential victims of infringement who would sustain incalculable losses every time their works are used or exploited in the internet by infringers.

"Through these amendments, the Philippines ensures that rights-holders can effectively use technology to protect their own rights and to license their works online. This will also rectify the misconception that pirated goods are accepted in the country. In effect, we can be assured of more foreign investments on scientific initiatives, digital media and technology-based ventures to tap our highly-skilled employees and generate growth for the economy," says Sen. Angara.

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