Question & AnswerQ&A (MTRCB MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 05-2011)
The legal basis is Section 3(a) of Presidential Decree No. 1986, which empowers the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to classify and rate television programs.
The four classification ratings are General Patronage (G), Parental Guidance (PG), Strong Parental Guidance (SPG), and Disapproved for Airing on Television (X).
They cover all television programs, motion pictures, and publicity materials for or pertaining to television broadcasts including cable television services.
An 'adult' is any person who is eighteen (18) years of age or over; a 'child' is any person less than eighteen (18) years of age.
The Board considers treatment of theme, violence, language, nudity, sex, horror, illegal drugs, and other elements.
Programs rated 'G' are suitable for all ages and do not contain anything unsuitable for children. Display of a 'G' pictogram advisory is required before and throughout the showing.
PG programs may contain mild adult material but require parental supervision for children. Allowed are mild swear words, occasional natural nudity without sexual activity, implied sexual activity with no graphic depiction, mild and brief horror, and implied drug use without glorification.
SPG requires stronger and more vigilant parental guidance due to the inclusion of more adult topics and themes, which may not be advisable for children without adult presence. Additional pictogram advisories including mid-show advisories are shown.
Programs that are immoral, indecent, contrary to law or good customs, injurious to the Philippines' prestige, or encourage violence, crime, illegal drugs, or are libelous or contemptuous may be disapproved.
Violations are dealt with pursuant to Section 11 of P.D. 1986 and Chapter XIII of its 2004 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations, which may include fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses.