QC ordinance boosts anti-piracy drive

By Perseus Echeminada
The Philippine Star 01/19/2006

The government’s anti-piracy campaign has received a big boost in Quezon City after Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. signed into law an ordinance curtailing the sale, rental, transfer, distribution, manufacture or production of pirated, counterfeit or fake goods, articles or services in the city.

Nathan Zulueta, head of the Quezon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc., said the landmark legislation authored by Council majority floorleader Ariel Inton Jr. was endorsed by the Intellectual Property Coalition and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in support of IPR laws enacted by Congress.

Under the newly approved ordinance, all businesses and permits issued by the city government shall carry the express condition that the licensee shall not engage in the sale, rental, distribution, manufacture of pirated, counterfeit or fake goods or services nor shall permit other persons to commit said acts within the licenses business establishment or premises.

"Any breach or violation of the condition as set forth in the law shall be ground for the revocation or suspension of the business permit or license for a period of not more than 10 days for the first violation; 30 days for a second violation and cancellation of permit for third and subsequent violations," the ordinance stated.

Belmonte said the measure supports the national government’s campaign to protect intellectual property rights.

"To unlock the vast potential of creating new jobs, more business opportunities, national and local revenues, sustain economic growth, Quezon City and the rest of the country must take strong initiative and take tangible steps to further protect intellectual property rights," he said.

The mayor said the state policy to enhance the enforcement of IPR laws requires the determined and active support of local government at its grassroots level.

Zulueta said under the new law, the anti-piracy campaign would be enhanced and further improve the country’s chances of being removed from the priority watch list of IPR violators.

He emphasized that protecting the legitimate business operations is a responsibility of every local government unit.

"The LGU should give ample protection to legitimate enterprises offering and selling legitimate products, goods and services. With this law, the mayor through the BPLO can easily suspend and cancel business permits of establishments or persons found violating the local anti-piracy law," he said.