MANILA, (PIA) — The Muntinlupa City government has enacted an ordinance requiring the use of legal and ethical software in its offices and among private entities with which it has contracts.
Ordinance No. 2025-328, known as the “Legal and Ethical Software Use Ordinance of Muntinlupa,” was passed by the city council and signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
The ordinance aligns with Republic Act No. 10175, the Anti-Cybercrime Law, which recognizes copyright infringement as a punishable offense when conducted through digital means.
It emphasizes that using unlicensed software poses significant risks, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities, exposure to malware, and potential violations of intellectual property laws. Such practices can undermine public trust and operational efficiency in government activities.
It further states that, “The proliferation of unlicensed software deprives developers of fair compensation, stifling innovation and investment in technology.”
Moreover, it mandates that all departments and personnel of the Muntinlupa City government, as well as private entities engaged in city contracts, must utilize only licensed software. This includes any software application that is legally acquired and used in accordance with its licensing agreements, covering commercial, freeware, and open-source software.
“Strict enforcement of this ordinance aims to protect government systems from cybersecurity threats and enhance operational efficiency,” the ordinance reads.
All software used by the city government must be duly licensed, and the acquisition or use of unlicensed, counterfeit, or pirated software is strictly prohibited. This includes downloading, copying, or distributing software without authorization, bypassing activation mechanisms, and exceeding the permitted number of users.
City government employees found to have knowingly installed or used unlicensed software may face administrative sanctions and potential criminal charges under this new law.
With this ordinance, Muntinlupa City aims to promote a culture of ethical software use while reinforcing the importance of compliance with copyright laws. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
Ref. https://muntinlupacity.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ordinance-No.-2025-328.pdf
