MANILA, Philippines – Buhay Party List Congressman Irwin Tieng reinforces his support to the government’s ongoing anti-piracy campaign by penalizing even the landlords, who knowingly lease their premises for manufacture, distribution or sale of pirated discs.
 
Cong Irwin filed House Bill 3823 otherwise known as “Landlords and Building Owners Liability on Piracy Act,” which intends to punish the owner of a facility, house, building or any establishment that allows and tolerates the proliferation of illegal discs.
 
Imprisonment of not less than six months and not more than three years or a fine of not less than P20,000 will be meted on the law-breakers.
 
“Piracy creates a big dent in the profits of music and motion picture industries,” reasons out Cong. Irwin. “Pirated CDs and DVDs have become a major player in the black market. It does not only hurt the country’s international image to do business, but it also greatly affects local performers and manufacturers.”
 
Cong. Irwin authored the bill with his fellow lawmaker, Cong. Michael Velarde. Together, they also seek for the assistance of the Optical Media Board (OMB), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies to formulate and develop implementing rules and regulations for the proper execution of the provisions of the law.
 
Since his first term in the Lower House, Cong. Irwin has been zealous in his battle against piracy, even as he also succeeded in lowering the amusement taxes for the local entertainment industry.
 
“The key to solve piracy lies in the hands of the Filipino people who should stop patronizing pirated copies of music CDs and film DVDs,” insists Cong. Irwin. “There is hope to curb piracy if only the people will be vigilant.”