February 4, 2004 Opposition senatorial bet Boots Anson-Roa yesterday batted for the immediate signing by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the proposed "Optical Media Act" in a bid to prevent a further slide in the country's economy. Anson-Roa issued the urgent call in reaction to a statement by William Lash, an American intellectual property rights authority, who pointed to the Philippine government's failure to thwart rampant film and music piracy as a major factor that influenced the downgrading of the country's economic standing by international experts. A former cultural and press attaché to the United States, Anson-Roa said it would be more prudent for the Arroyo government to carry out immediate measures to prevent the economic slide rather than track down escape goats where blame will be heaped. "We have to demonstrate to the international community that we are serious in finding ways to plug the gaping holes of our economic problems. I am certain tossing blame against political rivals is not the right antidote to our woes," she said. Anson-Roa, who is running for senator under the opposition Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino, stressed that the Philippines' trade and commerce problems is not beyond control. It was revealed that $116 million in US investments go down the drain due to serious violations of intellectual property rights committed in the Philippines which is ranked no. 7 in the world for piracy. Last week, Anson-Roa revealed, the two Houses of Congress approved a tough Optical Media Act that would impose a maximum fine of P3 million and nine years imprisonment on persons involved in film and music piracy. A multi-awarded actress, Anson-Roa congratulated Congress for the passage of the bill that bans the unauthorized manufacture, replication and sale of any record able medium or device which includes information, sound and images. It also cover various disc formats known such as VCD's, DVD's and laster discs and others to be invented or known in the future. The Videogram Regulatory Board (VRB) will be abolished in favor of the Optical Media Board which will oversee the implementation of laws protecting the film and music industries.