Key Definitions
- Closed Caption: A method of subtitling TV programs via coded vertical data signals decoded and superimposed at the bottom of the screen.
- Economically Burdensome: Significant difficulty or expense determined by factors such as nature and cost of captioning, impact on provider operations, provider's financial resources, and type of operations.
- Newscast or News Programs: Reports on recent happenings intended to inform the public, limited to straightforward news reporting excluding analyses, editorials, commentaries, and opinions.
Exemptions from Closed Captioning
- Public service announcements less than ten minutes.
- Programs aired between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
- Programs primarily textual in nature.
- Situations where compliance is economically burdensome.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Fine ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱100,000.
- Imprisonment from six months to one year, or both penalties.
- Corporate officers or management responsible for violation may be held liable.
- Cancellation of license or permit to operate the business upon violation.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and relevant agencies, is tasked to establish rules within 120 days of the law's effectivity.
- Rules to cover exemptions, warnings, penalties, appeals, monitoring, and compliance.
Repealing Clause
- All laws, decrees, orders, rules, or regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or amended accordingly.
Separability Clause
- If any provision is declared invalid, other provisions remain effective.
Effectivity
- The law takes effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.