Title
Creation of Philippine Board of Censorship
Law
Act No. 3582
Decision Date
Nov 27, 1929
The Philippine Board of Censorship for Moving Pictures has the authority to examine and prohibit the exhibition of films that are deemed immoral or contrary to law, with violations punishable by imprisonment or a fine.

Law Summary

Oversight and Operational Control

  • The Board operates under the control of the Secretary of the Interior.
  • Duties include examining all films, whether spoken or silent, imported or locally produced.
  • Films judged immoral, unlawful, against good customs, or damaging to the Government or Philippine people's prestige shall be prohibited.
  • The Board, subject to Secretary of the Interior approval, promulgates its procedural rules, including quorum and subcommittee organization for provincial censorship.
  • Permanent records of all film examinations and decisions are maintained.
  • Board decisions take immediate effect unless appealed to the Secretary of the Interior, and further appeal may be brought before the Governor-General.

Prohibition on Exhibiting Unapproved Films

  • It is unlawful to exhibit any film not passed by the Board in moving picture theaters or public places.
  • Printing or displaying false labels indicating Board approval on films not authorized is also prohibited.

Penalties for Violations

  • Violation of exhibition or labeling prohibitions may result in imprisonment for up to one year, a fine up to one thousand pesos, or both.
  • Sentencing is at the discretion of the court.

Repeal of Conflicting Laws

  • All inconsistent acts or parts of acts are repealed to the extent of the conflict with this Act.

Effectivity

  • The Act takes effect immediately upon approval on November 27, 1929.

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