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Republic of the Philippines Mi
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES =
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 6699

Introduced by Representative Ron P. Salo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Optical Media Board was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 9239,
otherwise known as the Optical Media Act of 2003. It was created in order to ensure
the protection and promotion of intellectual property rights. Towards this end, the law
was passed to institute a means to regulate the manufacture, mastering, replication,
importation and exportation of optical media.

The law was passed during the advent of video rental shops during the latter
part of the 20" Century and the beginning of the new millennium when video rental
shops sprouted left and right with big names such as Video City and ACA Video
catering to those who prefer quality viewing over price considerations. However, it did
not take long before these establishments started to die down because of the
increasing competition from pirated versions of films and compact discs. Later on,
online piracy and streaming services have also greatly affected the industry.

As it stands today, the very reason that the Optical Media Board sought to
promote and regulate, is an obsolete industry that does not contribute any meaningful
impact to the socio-economic and cultural aspects of our society. Thus, for the reasons
stated, it is proposed in this measure that the Optical Media Board be abolished.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

R SALO
KABAYAN Partylist

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 6699

Introduced by Representative Ron P. Salo

AN ACT
ABOLISHING THE OPTICAL MEDIA BOARD, CREATED BY VIRTUE OF
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9239, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE OPTICAL MEDIA ACT
OF 2003, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Abolishing the Optical Media Board (OMB). — The Optical
Media Board created by virtue of Republic Act No. 9239, otherwise known as the
Optical Media Act of 2003 is hereby abolished.

SEC. 2. Transitory Provisions. — Officers and employees of the OMB holding
permanent appointments shall be given preference for appointment in other agencies
if they meet the qualification requirements of the positions therein.

Officers and employees who are separated from the service as a result of the
abolition of the OMB shall receive separation benefits under the provisions of Republic
‘Act No. 6656: Provided, That those who are qualified to retire under existing laws shall
be allowed to retire and receive retirement benefits to which they may be entitled under
applicable laws, rules and regulations.

SEC. 3. Transfer of Rights, Assets and Liabilities. — The Philippine National
Police shall, by virtue of this Act, be subrogated to alll the rights and assume all the
obligations and liabilities of the Optical Media Board. All records, property, assets,
equipment, and funds of the Optical Media Board, including unexpended
appropriations or allocations, shall be transferred to the Philippine National Police.

SEC. 4. Separability Clause. - Should any provision herein be declared
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders or parts

thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or
modified accordingly.

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SEC. 6. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the online version of the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of

general circulation.

Approved.

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