Filed by Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Baguilat Jr last March 18, 2014, House Bill 4218 or the “OPM Development Act of 2014” aims to provide support in the development and protection of the local music industry.
An initiative brought by the 1st Pinoy Music Summit, the bill’s main focus are, Strengthening of the National Commission on Music, Collection of Reciprocal Equity Fees from foreign acts and Tax Credit on radio stations that will broadcast 4 OPM songs every clock hour.
Major supporters of the bill who are lobbying for its passage include FILSCAP headed by Noel Cabangon, OPM headed by Ogie Alcasid and AMP headed by Jong Cuenco.
While the three groups are strongly pushing for passage of the bill, some groups of Indie musicians strongly oppose the passage of the bill into law saying it’s more detrimental to the music industry. In a position paper posted on BandAlliance’s official website, the group said “This possible scenario in the future is too catastrophic for any one of us to comprehend.”
Currently the bill is still on its 1st reading in the committee level with next committee hearing set on March 2, 2015.
To know more about HB4218 or the OPM Development Act of 2014, here’s the complete draft of the bill filed in the congress.
