Key Definitions
- "Adult": Person 18 years old and above.
- "Board": Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) or its acting committees.
- "Cable Television Service": Delivery of audiovisual material to subscribers by wire or wireless for a fee.
- "Classification": Rating determined by the Board on media to assess audience suitability.
- "Child": Person under 18 years of age.
- "Motion Picture": Series of pictures projected to create the effect of movement, regardless of format or equipment.
- "Publicity Material": Short audio/video content (5-30 seconds) designed to generate interest.
- "Television Broadcast": Public exhibition of sound or images via television or equivalent equipment including cable.
- "Television Program": Any content aired on free or cable television, including various genres.
Television Program Classification System
- Programs classified as:
- GENERAL PATRONAGE ("G")
- PARENTAL GUIDANCE ("PG")
- STRONG PARENTAL GUIDANCE ("SPG")
- DISAPPROVED FOR AIRING ("X")
- Classification considers theme, violence, language, nudity, sex, horror, illegal drugs, and other elements.
Guidelines for Each Classification
GENERAL PATRONAGE ("G")
- Suitable for viewers of all ages.
- Must contain no material unsuitable for children.
- Requires pictogram advisory "G" on green box with full screen and verbal advisories before showing.
- Pictogram displayed at bottom right corner throughout program.
PARENTAL GUIDANCE ("PG")
- Suggests parental oversight for children watching programs with some adult elements.
- Allows more serious themes suitable for children below 13 years.
- Mild language permitted; no strong sexual expletives or prolonged swearing.
- Occasional natural nudity allowed; no graphic sexual activity.
- Violence must not glamorize or provide detailed fighting; social value expected.
- Horror sequences must be mild and brief.
- Implied drug use allowed if not promoting or glamorizing.
- Requires "PG" pictogram on blue box and full screen/verbal advisory 10 seconds before.
- Pictogram displayed continuously during program.
STRONG PARENTAL GUIDANCE ("SPG")
- Requires stronger parental supervision for programs with sensitive and adult topics.
- Warns parents to exercise greater responsibility due to sensitive themes and scenes.
- Pictogram "SPG" on red box with advisory shown before and midway through broadcast.
- Full implementation contingent upon public awareness campaign completion.
DISAPPROVED FOR AIRING ("X")
- Programs failing to conform to "G", "PG" or "SPG" are disapproved for broadcast.
- Disapproval grounds include:
- Immorality or indecency.
- Contravening laws or good customs.
- Damaging the prestige of the Philippines or its people.
- Encouraging violence, crime, or wrongdoing.
- Lewd or offensive depiction of sexual or excretory acts.
- Attack on any race, creed, or religion.
- Encourages illegal drug use.
- Undermines confidence in government or authorities.
- Glorifies criminals or crimes.
- Libelous or defamatory content.
- Contempts court or sub-judice matters.
Administrative Sanctions
- Violations are subject to penalties as per Section 11 of P.D. 1986 and related implementing rules.
Separability Clause
- If any part is declared invalid, remaining provisions stay effective and enforceable.
Effectivity
- The guidelines take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and filing with the UP Law Center Administrative Registrar per Administrative Code of 1987.
Summary
This Memorandum Circular provides a clearly defined classification framework for television programs to safeguard viewers, especially children, by prescribing suitable viewing categories and related guidelines. It also establishes procedural and administrative rules for enforcement ensuring responsible broadcasting practices consistent with Filipino cultural values and legal norms.