RECENTLY, the Philippines established itself as one of the top concert and event destinations in the world. Hundreds of globally and locally renowned artists and performers would hold concerts in different cities and venues to the delight of their fans and concert goers. In 2024 alone, at least one fifty-four (154) concerts are scheduled to be held in the country, while records show that revenue from music events rose from $27 million in 2017 to $32.8 million in 2018, drawing in a total of 2.13 million audiences.
Consumers attend more concerts, whether held locally or abroad. Based on the latest survey conducted by VISA, thirty-eight percent (38%) of Filipino respondents have attended concerts over the past twelve (12) months, both locally or overseas, coming in the top five in Asia Pacific after India (45%), Vietnam (41%), and Indonesia (40%). The rising popularity and prevalence of concert scenes reflect the upward trend of recreational appetite of Filipinos which in turn helps drive the local economy.
However, the increase of demand in events or performances and the surge of concert goers have also brought about a number of challenges, including the proliferation of ticket scalping or the practice of reselling admission tickets at an inflated or predatory price - undermining the consumers' right to fair access to entertainment scenes and encouraging price gouging. Currently, the prohibition of scalping only exists in specific cities like Pasay City and Quezon City through local ordinances, leaving a notable gap at the national level.
This bill seeks to impose prohibition on ticket scalping in the country. By providing regulations on purchasing and selling of tickets, this measure aims to protect consumers from exploitation and guarantee fair access to events of their favorite artists or performers.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
