QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1986)
PD No. 1986 creates the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (the “Board”) to rationalize and regulate the movie and television industry through review, classification, licensing, and enforcement, as well as to initiate measures to improve and upgrade the industry.
Its principal office is in Metropolitan Manila.
The Board is composed of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and thirty (30) members, all appointed by the President of the Philippines.
A person must be a natural-born citizen, at least 21 years old, and of good moral character and standing in the community.
In selection, due consideration must be given to qualifications producing a multi-sectoral combination of expertise. At least five (5) members must be members of the Philippine Bar. At least fifteen (15) members may come from the movie and television industry, nominated by legitimate associations representing various sectors of the industry.
They hold office for a term of one (1) year unless sooner removed by the President for any cause, and may be re-appointed after the expiration of their term.
They are objectionable if, applying contemporary Filipino cultural values as standard, they are immoral, indecent, contrary to law/good customs, injurious to the prestige of the Republic or its people, or with a dangerous tendency to encourage violence or crime. Examples listed include inciting rebellion/sedition, undermining faith in government, glorifying criminals/condoning crimes, serving only the market for violence or pornography, abetting prohibited drugs traffic, libel/defamation, contempt of court or subjudice matters.
Deletions or cuts must not be made on the master negative. The master negative must be deposited with the Film Archives of the Philippines and released for export purposes to the film owner only upon showing of the proper export permit.
Examples include: “G” (For General Patronage/all ages admitted), “P” (Parental Guidance Suggested), “R” (Restricted/adults only), “X” (Not for Public Viewing), and such other categories as the Board may determine.
The decision must be rendered within ten (10) days counted from receipt of the application and materials. After a written sub-committee decision, a written motion for reconsideration may be filed, leading to a second review by a five-member sub-committee. The second decision must be rendered within five (5) days from receipt of the motion for reconsideration.
The second Board decision is final, except when it disapproves or prohibits a motion picture or television program in its entirety; that case is appealable to the President, whose decision is final.
No film or motion picture intended for exhibition at moviehouses or theaters or on television shall be disapproved by reason of its topic, theme, or subject matter, but only upon the merits of each picture or program considered in its entirety.
It is unlawful for any person/entity to exhibit or cause the exhibition of motion pictures/television programs/publicity materials (including trailers and lobby display stills) in the Philippines, or to print a label showing it was passed by the Board, if it has not been duly authorized/passed by the Board.
Exhibitors must post/display the certificate or label of approval in conspicuous places near entrances and must include announcements in all cinema advertisements stating the classification of the motion picture being exhibited/advertised.
It is unlawful for persons below 18 to enter, or to misrepresent/make false proof of age to gain admission to a moviehouse/theater showing a “Restricted” or “For Adults Only” film. It is also unlawful for theater employees to sell/receive tickets to such screenings when they know the buyer is below 18.
Violations are punishable by mandatory imprisonment of three (3) months and one day to one (1) year plus a fine of not less than ₱50,000 but not more than ₱100,000. Alien offenders are deported immediately and the license to operate a moviehouse/theater/TV station is revoked. Probation under PD No. 968 (as amended) does not apply.
The importer/distributor must return it to the country of origin (or elsewhere outside the Philippines) within 30 days from receipt of the decision. Customs duties and internal revenue taxes paid are automatically refunded, supported by the Board’s decision furnished to the relevant tax and customs authorities.