Title
MTRCB Rules on Optical Media Classification
Law
Mtrcb Memorandum Circular No. 01-2015
Decision Date
Jan 5, 2015
The Amended Rules and Regulations for the Review and Classification Optical Media Materials in the Philippines provides guidelines for the classification and exhibition of optical media materials, including the display of advisory ratings, classification standards, and penalties for violations.
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Definition of Public Exhibition

  • Public exhibition includes any act of viewing or exhibiting audio/video content of optical media materials regardless of venue or purpose.
  • It covers theatrical and non-theatrical exhibitions, private or general viewing, and any form of consideration.
  • The previous distinction between private and public viewing is abolished.

Classification of Optical Media Materials

  • All optical media materials must be classified into one of these categories: General Audience (G), Parental Guidance (PG), Restricted-13 (R-13), Restricted-16 (R-16), or Restricted-18 (R-18).
  • Classification standards follow MTRCB Memorandum Circular No. 08-2012 and implementing rules under P.D. 1986.
  • The rating system for private viewing has been repealed.

Display of Advisory Ratings

  • Immediately before exhibition, the film’s advisory rating must be shown on-screen in the prescribed audio-video format as mandated by MTRCB Memorandum Circular No. 10-2012.

Trailers and Publicity Materials

  • All trailers, plugs, messages, teasers, and other promotional content must conform strictly to the General Audience (G) classification.
  • Trailers or publicity materials with higher age restrictions are prohibited.
  • Producers and distributors must ensure trailers display the appropriate Trailer Advisory for at least three (3) seconds before showing.
  • Relevant provisions of MTRCB Memorandum Circular No. 04-2014 are incorporated unless inconsistent.

Display of Color-Coded Film Ratings on Packaging

  • Approved optical media materials must prominently display the official MTRCB logo and the corresponding color-coded film rating pictogram on both the packaging and disc label.
  • This requirement is in accordance with Memorandum Circular No. 10-2012.

Review and Appeal Procedures

  • The review and classification process for optical media materials follows the same procedures as for motion pictures under Chapters VI and VII of the 2004 Implementing Rules and Regulations of P.D. 1986.

Sanctions for Violation

  • Violations of this Circular are subject to administrative and criminal sanctions pursuant to Section 11 of P.D. 1986 and Chapter XIII of its Revised Implementing Rules.

Repealing Clause

  • Previous rules, circulars, and guidelines inconsistent with this Circular are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Separability Clause

  • Should any provision be declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions remain effective and enforceable.

Effectivity

  • This Circular takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register at the University of the Philippines Law Center.

This comprehensive regulation ensures the effective classification, advisory display, and control over optical media materials to protect public moral standards while promoting the film and television industry in the Philippines.


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