Review and Classification of Television Programs
- Television programs will no longer be reviewed or classified on a per-episode basis.
- Program producers, blocktimers, and distributors must submit a sample episode representing the program's line-up for the coming season (three months) for review.
- Sample episodes are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Applications for review will only be processed upon full payment of the prescribed fee and settlement of all current accounts; credit lines are discontinued.
Schedule and Composition of Review Sessions
- Regular review sessions are scheduled Mondays to Fridays at 9:00 A.M.–12:00 noon and 1:00 P.M.–4:00 P.M.
- The MTRCB Chairman determines the Review Sub-committees’ composition and approves the review schedule.
- Changes to the review schedule require prior approval of the Chairman and are allowed only once under exceptional circumstances.
- Applicants forfeiting fees by improper rescheduling must re-apply for a new schedule; switching schedules is prohibited.
Special Reviews and Surcharges
- Special reviews outside regular hours are allowed only in exceptional cases with prior Chairman approval.
- Requests for special reviews, including second reviews, must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance.
- Appropriate surcharges apply to special reviews.
Broadcast Permits and Fees
- Approved television programs are granted broadcast permits valid for three months.
- Fees for each airing must be paid in advance on a Pay Before Broadcast (PBB) basis.
Retention of Program Tapes
- Program producers must promptly provide the MTRCB with tapes of programs identified for consistent rule violations.
- Such tapes must be retained for three months from the broadcast date.
Classification in Case of Dual Ratings
- If an episode falls under two different classifications, the stricter classification applies to the entire program.
- In doubtful cases, producers must submit the episode for review, which will be treated as a special review subject to charges.
Amendments and Revocations
- All previous Memorandum Circular provisions inconsistent with these rules are amended, superseded, or revoked accordingly.
Administrative and Procedural Notes
- The detailed workflow for television program applications is provided as a chart.
- The memorandum circular is adopted and signed by the MTRCB Chairman, Armida P.E. Siguion-Reyna, dated August 10, 1998.