Question & AnswerQ&A (MTRCB)
The creation of the Local Regulatory Council (LRC) is pursuant to Section 3(h) of Presidential Decree 1986 dated October 5, 1985.
The City or Municipal Mayor designates the members of the Local Regulatory Council, which includes a chairman and at least four members. They serve without compensation during the term of the appointing Mayor unless removed earlier by the Mayor or the MTRCB Chairman.
The LRC assists the MTRCB in implementing acts, resolutions, decisions or awards of the Board, including monitoring theaters and ensuring compliance with regulations on registration, film exhibition, and classification.
All theaters must annually register with the MTRCB within the first three months of the year to avoid surcharges, similar to obtaining a local Mayor's or business permit.
Exhibiting films in unregistered theaters or without a valid MTRCB Permit to Exhibit is illegal and criminal. The Local Regulatory Council must seize the film with law enforcement assistance and report to the MTRCB Chairman immediately.
The classifications include: G (General Patronage - all ages), PG 7 (Parental Guidance for children 7 years and above, with 7-12 accompanied by an adult), PG 13 (Parental Guidance 13, admission limited to 13 years and above), and R 18 (Restricted to persons 18 years and older). These classifications regulate who may be admitted to view the films.
The Council must order the theater to immediately expel the persons of the wrong age and report the violation to the MTRCB Chairman.
The theater must maintain a 3-feet tall standee sign in the lobby announcing the MTRCB's classification of the film being shown. For double features, the more restrictive classification governs the announcement and admission.
Publicity materials must be safe for General Patronage, disallowing frontal nudity, gory scenes, hostage situations, and guns closely pointed at victims. The Council must confiscate objectionable materials and report to the MTRCB Chairman.
The National Anthem must be played at sign-on and sign-off in all cinema houses, using the original martial version composed by Julian Felipe. The playing should be preceded by an announcement for the audience to stand and place their right hand over their left chest.
No, the power to close theaters or suspend/cancel Permits to Exhibit is exclusively reserved to the MTRCB Board.
They must immediately submit a detailed written report of the violation to the MTRCB Chairman including the title of the film, theater, owner's name, date and time of the violation, and keep any seized materials in custody until further instructions.
Yes, the Council monitors television programs to ensure conformity with the MTRCB Guidelines for Television Classification and reports objectionable programs to the Board.
They must submit a list of theaters including addresses, owners' names, air conditioning status, and whether the theaters are registered with the MTRCB for the current year.