The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has asked Internet service providers (ISPs) to block several websites found illegally streaming Filipino films, as part of its intensified campaign against online piracy.
In two separate requests, IPOPHL’s Enforcement Division sought to take down platforms that violated copyright laws, acting on complaints filed by Viva Communications and its streaming services VivaMax and Viva One.
The first request covered 13 websites linked to FREECINE, including freecineplus.com, freecine.ph, freecineph.com, freecine.com.co, and freecine.site.
Viva reported that the sites distributed unauthorized copies of its copyrighted titles such as Bedspace, Dilig, and Room Service through a mobile application.
“The FREECINE application contains unauthorized copies of cinematographic works, including those owned by them, and allows users to stream or download these for free,” the complaint read.
A second site-blocking request targeted asyaminik.com, also based on Viva’s complaint, after discovering that the site streamed and offered downloads of content from the Viva One platform, including Chasing in the Wild, Safe Skies Archer, The Rain in España, and Avenues of the Diamond.
“The content was illegally made available to the public via online streaming, with full copies downloadable for offline viewing, all without authorization,” the complaint stated.
Both actions were implemented under Memorandum Circular 23-025, or the Rules on Voluntary Administrative Site Blocking, which enables swift coordination between IPOPHL and ISPs to restrict access to infringing websites.
