Question & AnswerQ&A (MTRCB)
The MTRCB is the board created under Presidential Decree No. 1986 responsible for reviewing and classifying motion pictures, television programs, and related publicity materials in the Philippines.
A motion picture is defined as a series of pictures projected on a screen to create the optical effect of continuous movement, including black and white or colored films, silent or with sound, in any medium or equipment for projection or recording. The material containing the motion picture is considered integral to it.
Theatrical Distribution refers to the public showing of motion pictures in theaters or moviehouses with admission fees, while Non-Theatrical Distribution refers to public showings without admission fees using mobile projection and exclusive showings to member organizations, educational, cultural, and other similar groups.
The classifications are General Patronage (G) open to all ages; Parental Guidance (P) which cautions parents on delicate content; Restricted (R) limited to adults 18 years and over; and Not for Public Viewing (X) which disapproves the picture for public exhibition or broadcast.
Live programs do not require prior review but the TV studios must give at least 48 hours advance notice with title and content details. They are responsible for ensuring no prohibited scenes are aired and must submit the program for post-review within 48 hours after airing.
Grounds include content that is immoral, indecent, illegal, prejudicial to public morals or good customs, injurious to the prestige of the Philippines, incites subversion, glorifies crime, promotes drug use, is libelous or defamatory, maliciously attacks any race or community sector, or contains pornographic or excessively violent material.
They must exhibit only Board approved materials with proper permits, display the Board classification and permits prominently, preserve the integrity of the approved content, refuse admission to underage audiences according to film classification, and report any unauthorized content insertions or violations to the Board.
Yes, for bonafide educational, documentary, cultural, sales, public service, public relations, and instructional films upon application and good cause, but such exemption can be revoked at any time by the Board.
An application is reviewed first by a Sub-committee of three Board members who make a decision and inform the applicant. The applicant may request reconsideration to a Committee of five Board members. The final decision is appealable to the President only if the film is completely disapproved.
Sanctions include suspension or cancellation of permits and licenses, fines, preventive seizure of offending films and materials, suspension of permits, or closure of moviehouses or establishments. Hearings are conducted by the Chairman or a Hearing and Adjudication Committee, and decisions by them are final.