About us

Overview

The Optical Media Board, mandated to implement the Optical Media Act of 2003 (Republic Act No. 9239) continues its strong commitment to the protection and promotion of intellectual property rights through the exercise of its regulatory, enforcement and quasi-judicial functions.

The agency equally commits to uphold and sustain its efficient and client-centered delivery of public service anchored on OMB’s principles of integrity, accountability and transparency. United with the objectives and aspirations of the Anti-Red Tape Authority in spearheading the promotion of ease of doing business and forging a government for the people, the OMB has updated its Citizen Charter to continually develop and enhance our standards in the delivery of the external and internal services that we provide to our clients. This charter consists of the relevant information on its streamlined processes embodying in it each divisions’ conviction and dedication to be of better service to others.

As the agency continues to intensify its efforts to deliver a media piracy-free Philippines in the midst of the unprecedented challenges of the “new normal”, OMB presents this Citizen’s Charter as our commitment to provide professional and competent public service.

Vision
An economy that is free from Optical Media Piracy where there is a level playing field for all legitimate players.
Mission
To protect and promote intellectual property rights in digital form.

Mandate

Under the R.A. 9239 or the Optical Media Act of 2004, the Videogram Regulatory Board (VRB) shall be reorganized to Optical Media Board (OMB) ensure the attainment of the objectives of the said act which will be attached to the Office of the President and be responsible for the following:

(a)

Formulate and implement such policies and programs as are necessary for the accomplishment of the purposes of this Act;

(b)

Evaluate the qualifications of any individual, establishment, or other entity to engage in the mastering, manufacture, or replication of optical media. For this purpose, the OMB shall require such person to substantiate its capability to engage in said activities;

(c)

Supervise regulate, grant, or renew licenses for specific periods, or deny, suspend, or cancel the same, subject to such conditions as it may impose, for the activities enumerated in Section 13(a), (b) and (c);

(d)

Conduct inspections, by itself or in coordination with other competence agencies of the government, at any time, with or without prior notice, of establishments or entities including those within the economic zones engaged in the activities as provided in Section 13(a), (b) and (c) of this Act and employ reasonable force in the event that the responsible person or persons of such establishment or entity evades, obstructs, or refuses such inspection. For this purpose, the agents of the OMB shall be considered agents in authority;

(e)

Apply for or obtain search warrants from any court of law, or take into preventive custody any optical media and/or material or equipment, including parts, accessories and paraphernalia used for the mastering, manufacture or replication of optical media which are found in any premises if the OMB has reasonable ground to believe or suspect that these are evidence of violation of the provisions of this Act;

(f)

Act as complainant in the criminal prosecution of violators of this Act;

(g)

Hear and resolve administrative cases against violators of this Act and impose administrative sanctions including, but not limited to, the imposition of fines and penalties; confiscation of optical media; and suspension, non-renewal, or cancellation of the license to operate and/or closure of establishments or entities that violate the provisions of this Act. For this purpose, the Board shall have the power to issue subpoena or subpoena duces tecum to compel the attendance of witnesses and production of documents and other effects;

(h)

Call upon law enforcement agencies and the managing authorities in the economic zones for assistance in the implementation and enforcement of its decisions, orders, rules and regulations;

(i)

To deputize, whenever necessary, provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, and representatives of the national government agencies, organizations representing copyright owners, neighboring rights owners and concerned sectors to help monitor compliance with and report to the OMB any violation of this Act;

(j)

Require persons, establishments and entities engaged in the activities in Section 13 to keep and maintain for a period of at least five (5) years true and complete records of all activities related to the conduct of its business. For this purpose, the Board may, at any time, require the production of such records and samples of optical media from each mastering, manufacturing, or replicating line;

(k)

Levy, assess and collect, and periodically adjust and/or revise the rates of fees and charges for the issuance of licenses granted under this Act;

(l)

Establish support offices as may be necessary;

(m)

Create and maintain a database, and regularly publish data containing the list and activities of registered and/or licensed optical media and other related establishments. Any enforcement agency, including the Bureau of Customs, may refer to this database for enforcement and/or seizure;

(n)

Prescribe the internal and operational procedures for the exercise of its powers and functions, the performance of its duties and responsibilities and other related matters; and (o) Exercise such other powers and functions as may be necessary or incidental to the attainment of the purposes and objectives of this Act, and to perform other related duties and responsibilities as may be directed by the President.

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