2007 is a crossroad for us in the Optical Media Board. The crime of counterfeit optical media product and violation of intellectual property rights have transcended conventional characterization. More and more, our agency is being faced with allied and similar organized syndicated activities such as child pornography, child trafficking, international drug trafficking, and terrorism.

A crossroad because this is the time we have asked our legislature to take a second look on our Charter, Republic Act No. 9239, with view of intensifying our mandate to be in tune with the ever developing technology. A crossroad because this is the year that we called on the support of all religious sectors to help us in our fight against Child Pornography. A crossroad because we have similarly called on the private sector and all rights holders concerned to join hands and make our country one known for respecting intellectual property rights. A crossroad because no less than our beloved President, Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo have in no uncertain terms mandated us to eradicate and fight the problem of intellectual property disregard.

We will not let you down. In this crossroad, we shall choose the path towards a strong republic, one that respects intellectual property rights, that respect the rights of the Filipino women and children.