Law Summary
Composition and Appointment of the Board
- Composed of a Chairman and 24 members appointed by the President with Commission on Appointments' consent.
- Chairman term: 4 years; members initially staggered terms (2, 3, 4 years), thereafter 4 years.
- Members must be natural-born Philippine citizens, at least 35 years old, of good moral standing, not connected to motion picture/TV industries.
- Membership includes nominees from professional, religious, educational, child/welfare, civic, cultural, and newspapermen associations.
- Compensation structure defined for members and chairman.
Duties and Powers of the Board
- Screen, censor, approve, disapprove, or prohibit exhibition of all motion pictures (local or imported) and related materials (trailers, stills, advertisements) based on morality, law, customs, or national prestige.
- Classify approved films into general patronage or for adults only.
- Appoint technical staff and permanent Secretary to maintain records and enforce orders.
- Establish rules of procedure, organize sub-committees, and maintain records of examined films.
- Charge fees for film and material reviews to cover operational expenses.
Decision and Appeals Process
- Board must decide to approve/disapprove within 10 days of receiving application and materials.
- Written disapproval must include reasons.
- Films cannot be disapproved solely based on their theme but assessed on merits.
- Appeals to a committee of Undersecretaries of Justice, National Defense, and Education within 15 days of notice.
Screening Procedures
- Only Board members, staff, and authorized representatives of producers, distributors, exhibitors may attend screenings.
Exhibition Regulations
- Prohibition against exhibiting films without Board approval.
- Unauthorized use of Board certification/labels is illegal.
- Exhibitors must display the Board approval certificate visibly and announce film classifications in advertisements.
Age Restrictions and Admission
- No person under 18 allowed in adult-only classified films.
- False age representation to gain admission is prohibited.
- Employees forbidden to sell adult-only tickets to minors.
- Proof of age may be required.
Definitions for Clarity
- Motion picture defined as visual moving images through mechanical projection.
- Non-theatrical and theatrical distribution distinguished by public showing and admission fees.
- Adult defined as 18 years or older.
- Preview session defined as a minimum two-hour examination.
Penalties for Violations
- Unlawful exhibition or false certification: imprisonment 6 months to 2 years, fines PHP 600-2,000, or both.
- Deportation for alien offenders; license revocation for theaters/TV operators.
- Other violations: imprisonment 1-3 months, fines PHP 100-300, or both.
- Corporate liability extends to responsible officials.
Handling of Banned Films
- Banned films must be returned outside the Philippines within 30 days.
- Customs duties and internal revenue taxes refundable upon return.
- Board decision serves as authority for tax and duty refund.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals inconsistent laws, including Act No. 3582, as amended.
Effectivity
- Law takes effect upon approval.