Question & AnswerQ&A (MTRCB MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 12-2011)
The SPG classification aims to provide stronger and more vigilant parental guidance for television programs that contain serious topics and themes which may not be advisable for children to watch except under vigilant parental or adult supervision.
It is promulgated pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 05-2011 in relation to Section 3(a) of Presidential Decree No. 1986.
The program must fall within the existing Parental Guidance classification but have gravity of material leaning towards the maximum allowable for Parental Guidance as judged by the Board by considering the purpose, genre, time slot, and treatment of theme, violence, drugs, language, sex, and horror.
The Board considers the program's purpose, genre, time slot, and the treatment and depiction of factors such as theme, violence, drugs, language, sex, and horror, balancing the State's interest in protecting youth welfare with the broadcast networks' freedom of expression.
The content descriptors include but are not limited to Theme (Tema), Violence (Karahasan), Drugs (Droga), Language (Lenggwahe), Sex (Sekswal), and Horror (Katakutan).
They must be broadcast for at least twenty (20) seconds immediately before the opening credits and midway during the full airing of the program.
The SPG pictogram consists of capital letters 'SPG' inside a red box with the phrase 'Strong Parental Guidance Striktong Patnubay at Gabay' at the bottom, written in font size 10 Arial Narrow solid white with black outline. It should be superimposed at the bottom right corner of the screen throughout the program and may be placed elsewhere as needed without frequent changes. The size is 32.5mm by 19.05mm.
Violations shall be dealt with according to the provisions of Section 11 of Presidential Decree No. 1986 and Chapter XIII of its 2004 revised Implementing Rules and Regulations.
It took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register, as required under the Administrative Code of 1987.
The principle of 'First Call for Children' as enunciated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states the best interests of children shall be paramount in all actions.