Mandatory Playing of the Philippine National Anthem
- Theaters are required to play the Philippine National Anthem before the first screening.
- An announcement should precede the playing, requesting the audience to stand and place their right hand over their left chest.
Exhibition of Films With Valid Permits
- Only motion pictures with valid MTRCB Permits to Exhibit may be shown.
- Films exhibited without a valid or with an expired permit are subject to seizure by the Board.
Display of Permits and Movie Classification Standee
- A copy of the Permit to Exhibit must be prominently displayed at the ticket booth.
- A three-foot high standee indicating the movie’s classification must be displayed in the theater lobby.
- When two films are shown as a double feature, the more restrictive classification governs the standee and admissions.
- Example: An R-18 movie shown with a G-rated movie requires the standee to reflect the R-18 classification and admission limited to adults.
Strict Adherence to Age Classification
- Theaters must strictly enforce age classification for admission:
- General or Pang Pamilya (G): Open to all ages.
- Parental Guidance 7 or Pambata (PG-7): Persons aged 7-12 must be accompanied by an adult; no admission under 7 years old, even if accompanied.
- Parental Guidance 13 or Pang Tineydey (PG-13): Only persons 13 years and older; no admission below 13, even if accompanied.
- Restricted for Adults Only or Pang Wastong Gulang (R-18): Only persons 18 years and older.
Control and Responsibility Over Publicity Materials
- Theater owners/operators are responsible for all publicity materials on the premises (e.g., still photos, photoframes, posters, billboards).
- These materials must be suitable for general patronage (fit for all ages).
- They must not contain vulgar, sexy, or violent images.
- Objectionable materials must not be displayed, regardless of the source.
- Both theater owners and film owners are jointly liable for violations.
Compliance With MTRCB Monitoring Pass-Holders
- Theater operators must allow entry to MTRCB Pass-holders monitoring under P.D. No. 1986.
- Pass-holders may bring one companion who must meet the movie’s age classification and stay with the pass-holder.
Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Non-compliance with these responsibilities is subject to administrative sanctions and criminal prosecution under Presidential Decree No. 1986.
Contact and Assistance
- The MTRCB offers assistance and inquiries via telephone numbers 721-0881 to 83.
This memorandum circular solidifies the roles and duties of film exhibitors in safeguarding youth and society against immorality and indecency in motion pictures shown in theaters.