CDO Rep. Rodriguez met with FILSCAP Leaders in Strengthening Copyright Protection for Content Creators

San Juan City- Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez had a meaningful dinner with the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers Inc. (FILSCAP), or simply the “Society,” last week at Gloria Maris Restaurant in Greenhills, San Juan City.

Present during the dinner were FILSCAP trustees led by Chairman Ramon Chuaying, together with fellow trustees Nonoy Tan, APO Hiking Society singer Jim Paredes, and singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon.

Also present during dinner were the following FILSCAP Board Members:Thursday Alciso, Mike Villegas , Tito Cayamanda. Atty. Leandro Manabat and Atty. Ivan Mendez

During the meeting, the group discussed the Society’s request for Cong. Rufus’ support in extending the term of copyright protection under Section 213 of Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

Under the current law, copyright protection lasts for the lifetime of the author plus fifty (50) years after death. FILSCAP is proposing to extend this period to the lifetime of the author plus seventy (70) years, noting that several countries—including those in the Asia-Pacific region—have already adopted the longer copyright protection period. The proposed extension also serves as a way to further honor and recognize the musicians’ timeless creations.

In response, Cong. Rufus expressed his openness to study the proposal and conveyed that he intends to raise the matter in the House of Representatives through a proposed bill aimed at strengthening copyright protection for Filipino creators.

FILSCAP expressed its gratitude to Cong. Rufus for taking the time to listen to their concerns and for being receptive to their proposal. The Society likewise thanked him for his willingness to explore legislative measures that would extend and protect the rights and creative works of Filipino music creators and composers.