Scalpers Risk Fines Up to P500,000 Under New Senate Bill
Can we get a fast pass on this bill, please?
(SPOT.ph) Concert-goers in the Philippines are all too familiar with the frustration of missing out on tickets, only to see them reappear online at the most insane prices.
To address this issue, Senator Mark Villar has filed Senate Bill No. 2873 or the Anti-Ticket Scalping Act, which aims to put an end to the practice of reselling event tickets at heavily inflated prices.
"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," Villar said in a press release.
Also read: What Does Philippine Law Say About Ticket Scalping?
What to know about Anti-Ticket Scalping Act
Entertainment events include everything: sports shows, concerts, stage performances, beauty pageants, festivals, roadshows, and fan meets.
The bill targets scalpers who resell tickets for more than 10% above their original face value without authorization. It proposes penalties that include fines ranging from P100,000 to P500,000 and imprisonment of up to three years for repeat offenders. Those operating within corporations won’t be spared, as company officers and employees found involved in scalping activities could also face charges.
In addition to regulating prices, sellers must display the ticket’s face value price during the sale process. This applies to all ticket sales, regardless of whether they are online or in person. Failing to do so can result in fines of up to P250,000.
Beyond targeting individual scalpers, event organizers and ticketing platforms will be required to adopt internal policies to prevent scalping and display prominent warnings against such activities. Government agencies will also be encouraged to act against violators even without a formal complaint from the victim.
“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," Villar said.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time lawmakers have tried to introduce anti-ticket scalping measures in Congress. A similar bill was introduced in 2018, proposing fines of up to P250,000 or imprisonment for repeat offenders. However, it was never enacted.
Villar's proposed measure comes at a time when the entertainment industry in the Philippines is booming more than ever, with over 150 concerts in 2024 alone.
Also read: Remember How Much Cheaper Concert Tickets Were in the Early 2010s?