Question & AnswerQ&A (MTRCB MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 95-013)
Theaters must register annually with the MTRCB and preferably within the first three months to avoid surcharge. Unregistered theaters do not have the right to exhibit films.
Theaters are required to play the Philippine National Anthem preceded by an announcement, and the people in the theater should stand and place their right hand over their left chest.
No, theaters can only exhibit motion pictures covered by valid MTRCB Permits to Exhibit. Films shown without a permit or with an expired permit are subject to seizure by the Board.
A copy of the Permit to Exhibit must be prominently displayed at the ticket seller's booth.
The more restrictive classification governs both the announcement and admission into the theaters.
G (General/Pang Pamilya) means open to all ages; PG-7 (Parental Guidance 7/Pambata) means persons 7 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult and no one below 7 admitted; PG-13 (Parental Guidance 13/Pang Tineydyer) means only persons 13 years and above can see the movie; and R-18 (Restricted for Adults Only/Pang Wastong Gulang) means for persons 18 years and above only.
Theater owners/operators are responsible for all publicity materials and these must be fit for general patronage (safe for all ages) with no vulgar, sexy or violent scenes.
Yes, the Board holds theater owners and film owners jointly responsible for the display of objectionable publicity materials.
Yes, theater owners are obliged by law to allow MTRCB Pass-holders entry, who may bring one companion conforming to the movie's age classification who must stay with the pass-holder at all times.
Non-compliance can lead to administrative sanctions and criminal prosecution under Presidential Decree No. 1986.