Senator Mark Villar has filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2873, or the Anti-Ticket Scalping Act, to combat the growing issue of ticket scalping.
“Inihain po natin ang panukalang batas na ito upang matigil na o masugpo ang lumalalang scalping sa bansa na sumasamantala ng ating mga kababayang concert goers o avid fans. Hindi na po makatuwiran ang pagpapatong ng di makataong halaga sa mga concert at events ticket ng mga scalper na ito,” said Villar.
SBN 2873 aims to ensure fair access to tickets for fans at reasonable prices.
“Hindi po nila deserve ang walang habas na pananamantala ng mga scalper. Every fan and every Filipino deserves to enjoy concerts without being extorted by scammers,” according to him.
His proposal prohibits the unauthorized offering, hoarding, selling, or reselling of tickets at more than 10% above their original price. The markup cap may be adjusted by implementing agencies. Large-scale ticket scalping operations will also face penalties.
To prevent scalping, event organizers and ticketing companies will be required to post reminders against scalping on their premises or websites. They must also adopt internal policies to prevent scalping by employees, contractors, and agents.
“Ayon din sa finile nating bill, hindi na rin kailangang antayin na mayroon pang magreklamo para makapagsampa ng kaso laban sa mga scalper. Ang DOJ, DTI, DILG pati na ang mga law enforcement agency gaya ng PNP at NBI ay maaari na ring maging complainant,” the senator from Las Piñas said.
Violators face fines of up to P100,000 and/or six months in prison for the first offense. For repeat offenders, the penalties could reach P500,000 and/or three years in prison.
Villar also highlighted the penalties for corporation offenders:
“Bukod sa kompanya, pwede na ring papanagutin ang directors, members, officers and employees na sangkot sa scalping.”IMT
