Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has expressed his support for the phasing out of the Optical Media Board (OMB), highlighting the obsolescence of the industry it was initially designed to regulate.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian has proposed making a recommendation to the Executive department for transitioning the OMB's operations to another agency, such as the Film Development Council. This move aims to prevent the displacement of OMB employees following the agency's eventual dissolution.

"The times today have rendered the OMB totally obsolete. People do not watch CDs anymore. Lahat ay live streaming platforms na (Everybody is on live streaming platforms). We just have to find the proper transition for the employees," he stated.

Gatchalian suggested providing the OMB with a winding-down budget, which would last for three to six months. Afterward, the budget could be allocated to another agency with similar functions. The OMB is currently responsible for licensing and registering legal optical media businesses, as well as investigating and cracking down on illegal operations.