Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1986)
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is a regulatory body created by Presidential Decree No. 1986 under the Office of the President of the Philippines to review, classify, and regulate motion pictures and television programs.
Members must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines, at least 21 years old, of good moral character and standing. At least 5 members must be lawyers (members of the Philippine Bar), and at least 15 members must come from the movie and television industry.
The Board promulgates rules, reviews and classifies movies and TV programs, approves or disapproves content, supervises permits for import/export/production, classifies content for audience guidance, can close establishments violating the law, levy fees, deputize enforcement representatives, and cause prosecution of violators.
The MTRCB must render a decision within 10 days from the receipt of an application and the material to be reviewed.
No. It is unlawful to exhibit any motion picture, television program, or publicity material not duly authorized and passed by the MTRCB.
Violators face imprisonment of three months and one day to one year, a fine between fifty thousand to one hundred thousand pesos, and revocation of licenses. Aliens can be deported, and company officers may also be penalized.
The Board classifies into categories such as G (General Patronage), P (Parental Guidance Suggested), R (Restricted for adults only), X (Not for Public Viewing), or others it may determine in public interest.
Content that is immoral, indecent, illegal, injurious to the country’s prestige, encourages crime or violence, incites rebellion, undermines government faith, glorifies criminals, contains pornography, promotes drug use, is libelous or defamatory, or is subjudice.
Only Board members, persons authorized by the Board, and two representatives each from the distributor/producer and exhibitor are allowed inside during examination and review sessions.
Decisions disapproving or prohibiting movies or programs can be appealed to the President, who may decide the appeal personally or with the help of an Appeals Committee.