An advocacy group is calling on the Philippine Congress to take action on pending legislation that would enable site blocking, according to a report from Manila Bulletin. The appeal was made public on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Manila Bulletin reports that the group is pushing lawmakers to prioritize the bills, which are currently awaiting legislative action. The measure is designed to address online piracy by allowing authorities to restrict access to infringing websites.
The report from Manila Bulletin does not specify which group made the appeal, the exact content of the bills, or the current stage of the legislative process. The outlet’s coverage indicates that the matter remains under consideration by Congress, with the group urging faster movement on the proposal.
Site blocking has been a recurring topic in the Philippines, where rights holders and industry groups have long sought a legal mechanism to compel internet service providers to block access to pirate sites. The pending bills would establish a formal process for such requests, likely involving a government agency to review and issue blocking orders.
The push for these measures comes amid ongoing debates about balancing intellectual property enforcement with concerns over internet freedom and due process. Similar laws exist in other jurisdictions, but the Philippines has yet to enact a dedicated site blocking statute.
What to watch next: Whether the Philippine Congress schedules the bills for committee hearings or floor debate in the coming session, and how lawmakers address concerns raised by critics of the proposal.
