POLICY ADVOCACY

1. Enactment of RA 8293 – the Intellectual Property Code. The law provides for a rightful claim of artists for payment on replays of their performances, which amounts to five (5) percent of the contract amount for the production. The law also strengthened the artists' right over the preservation of their art works. Thus, under the Code, artists have the right to object to any distortion, mutilation or any form of modification of his performances that would be prejudicial to his reputation.
   
   The OPM made strong representations for the whole music industry artists during the hearings and floor deliberations. The OPM supported the IPC with an overwhelming attendance in the committee hearings. The OPM articulated the artists' position in defense of the bill.
   
   
2. Executive Order No. 255 Series of 1987. This EO directed all radio stations with musical format to play at least four original Pilipino compositions per clock hour.
   
   The OPM presented to the former President Corazon Aquino the tough competition faced by local songs with foreign ones due to limited patronage among radio stations. The administration's support to original Pilipino music led to the issuance of EO 255.
   
   
3. Continuous Support through Lobbying for the Following Legislative Bills:
   1. House Bill seeking to limit corporate sponsorship of concerts, live shows and sports events to 0.35% of a company's income. When enacted, the legislative measure will discourage production of live performances featuring new talents.
   2. House Bill on Amusement Tax. Several Bills in the House of Representatives seek to amend the Comprehensive Tax Reform Law and the 1991 Local Government Code. The OPM position is total amusement tax exemption of live performances including pop and rock concerts due to limited return on investments (ROI) of these types of production.

PROTECTION OF ARTISTS' RIGHTS

1. Implementation of the Singers' Equity Program. Funded through equity payments of foreign performers, the program provides financial assistance and benefits such as hospitalization and death and legal services. These include procurement of contracts with producers, collection of unpaid talents fees and harassment cases.
   
   
2. To ensure a harmonious rhythm with the industry, OPM liaisons with other associations in the music industry, such as KATHA-the organization of Filipino composers, PARI- the organization of record producers, AMP-association of musicians and KAPP- the association of Filipino artists/actors. OPM is also a member of the PHILIPPINE LEGITIMATE STAGE ARTIST GROUP, INC. (PHILSTAGE), a conglomeration of independent and established live theater, dance and entertainment organizations who share the belief that arts, culture and entertainment play a significant role in strengthening and development of the national moral fiber.
   
   
3. In 1996, OPM spearheaded the move to pursue the protection of copyright and neighboring rights in Philippine Music and Performing Arts by coming into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) together with the heads of various artists' organizations and guilds of entertainment industry forming an ALLIANCE to collectively and in a collegial manner promote the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. The formation of ALLIANCE has given birth to two collecting societies, namely: The Performing Rights Society of the Philippines, Inc. (PRSP) and The Phonogram and Performers Society of the Philippines, Inc. (PPSP). The PRSP acts as the collecting society for performers, such as actors, singers, musicians, dancers and other persons who act, sing, play in, interpret or otherwise perform literary and artistic works. The PPSP, on the other hand, acts as the collecting society for performers and phonogram producers. Both the PPSP and the PRSP were established to promote cooperation and collective action in the pursuit of common goals and objectives, guarantee their benefits through collection, distribution and application of royalties in their behalf.
   
   

EQUITY PROGRAM
Foreign artists who perform in the country are asked to contribute a small percentage to OPM which goes to a fund that allows OPM to extend financial assistance to its members, ex. death or medical benefits.

THE FE S. PANLILIO SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
A talent search is launched on an annual basis to help potential artists pursue a career in the basic industry. Winning the scholarship enables the winner to have the following benefits: opportunity to recording contracts, priority in all OPM projects and a P50,000 cash prize.