QuestionsQuestions (MTRCB MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 05-2011)
It is issued pursuant to Section 3(a) of Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 1986 and amends Section 2, Chapter IV of the 2004 Implementing Rules and Regulations of P.D. 1986 regarding classification ratings for television programs.
All television programs are classified as: General Patronage (G), Parental Guidance (PG), Strong Parental Guidance (SPG), and Disapproved for Airing on Television (X).
Upon effectivity, programs must be classified as G, PG, SPG, or X; however, the Board will announce the actual implementation of SPG and its guidelines after completing a public awareness campaign.
They cover all television programs, motion pictures, and publicity materials for or pertaining to television broadcast including cable television service.
All television programs must strictly comply; otherwise, they shall not be approved for television broadcast.
Television Broadcast is public exhibition by transmitting sound/images by television or similar equipment, including cable and other limited audience distribution. Television Program is any matter aired or broadcast on free television or cable television including public affairs programs, live programs, advertisements, game shows, teleplays, and motion pictures.
An Adult is any person 18 years old or over; a Child is any person less than 18 years old.
The treatment of theme, violence, language, nudity, sex, horror, illegal drugs, and other elements.
It is suitable for all ages and must not contain anything unsuitable for children, as judged by the Board.
A pictogram advisory with a full-screen written and verbal advisory stating the program is rated G must be broadcast for at least 10 seconds immediately before the opening credits. The full-screen written text must be in font 15 Arial-Narrow. The pictogram (G on a green box with MTRCB logo and the phrase “General Patronage For All Viewers”) must be superimposed at the bottom right throughout the entire showing, sized 45mm x 55mm.
Theme must be suitable for children below 13 years old; only very mild swear words allowed and strong/excessive or sexually-based expletives not allowed; occasional natural nudity without sexual activity is permissible; graphic sex activity not permitted and sex may be implied without details; violence must not be glamorized and no detailed/prolonged violence or suffering, with redeeming social value at the end; horror must be mild and brief; drugs may only be implied without condoning/encouraging/glamorizing and must be necessary to theme/characterization.
It advises parents to exercise parental responsibility in their children’s viewing. It must have a pictogram with full-screen written and verbal advisory for at least 10 seconds before opening credits, with font 15 Arial-Narrow for written text; the pictogram (PG on a blue box with MTRCB logo and “Parental Guidance For Young Viewers”) must be superimposed at bottom right throughout showing, size 45mm x 55mm.
SPG warns parents to exercise greater responsibility because programs may contain more adult topic and theme that may not be advisable for children except under vigilant guidance and presence of a parent or adult.
The pictogram and full-screen written/verbal advisory must be shown at least 10 seconds before opening credits, and midway in the full showing of the material they must again be shown/screen in the same way.
Any program not conforming to G, PG, or SPG is disapproved. It is disapproved if, applying contemporary Filipino cultural values, it is objectionable (e.g., immoral/indecent, contrary to law or good customs, injurious to Philippine prestige, or has dangerous tendency to encourage violence or wrongdoing), including examples like lewd/degrading sexual conduct, attacks against race/creed/religion, condoning illegal drugs, undermining faith in government, glorifying criminals/condoning crimes, libel/defamation, or contempt/sub-judice matters.
Violations are dealt with in accordance with Section 11 of P.D. 1986 and Chapter XIII of its 2004 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations.
They take effect after 15 days following their publication in a newspaper of general circulation and after being filed with the Administrative Registrar in the University of the Philippines Law Center, as required under the Administrative Code of 1987.