The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is pressing for swift passage of the proposed Online Site Blocking Act after reporting that online piracy in the Philippines remains stubbornly high, with half of Filipino consumers accessing pirated content in 2025.
In a January 28 submission to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under its Special 30 review, AVIA said the Philippines “continues to have some of the highest rates of piracy in the region.” Survey data cited by the group showed a 50 percent piracy incidence rate, higher than the 46 percent Asian average.
The industry group warned that existing enforcement tools are proving inadequate as illegal streaming sites become more sophisticated and easier to access. While Senate Bill 2651, or the proposed Online Site Blocking Act, was introduced in 2023, AVIA noted that the measure “is no longer listed as a priority piece of legislation.”
The association urged lawmakers to revive the bill and called on Washington to “urgently engage with the Philippines Senate” to accelerate its passage, arguing that current mechanisms are ineffective against large-scale infringement.
AVIA also pointed to limitations in the voluntary site-blocking memorandum of understanding brokered by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines with local internet service providers. Although the agreement took effect in early 2024, the group said “overly burdensome procedural requirements” have discouraged rights holders from using the system, resulting in only a small number of blocking orders.
The economic implications are significant. Across Asia, 45 percent of respondents in AVIA’s survey said they canceled paid streaming subscriptions because pirated services were available, highlighting revenue losses for legitimate platforms.
For content owners investing in local productions, the Philippines’ high piracy rate underscores both demand for digital content and regulatory gaps.
Without stronger enforcement, particularly a clear legal framework for site blocking, the country risks weakening investor confidence just as its digital economy continues to expand.
