Guiding Principles
- Recognizes the role of films/TV as educational, entertainment, cultural mediums, and expressions of freedom.
- Emphasizes protection against materials violating public morals, laws, or corrupting youth.
- Balances safeguarding public interest with preserving films' and TV's societal functions.
Scope of Review Authority
- All motion pictures, TV programs, and related publicity materials intended for any form of distribution, broadcast or general viewing, both local and international, are subject to Board review prior to circulation.
Standards for Review
- Judged against contemporary Filipino cultural values.
- Prohibits content that is immoral, indecent, libelous, subversive, violent, pornographic, or otherwise harmful.
- Pornography defined by community standards with examples of offensive sexual content explicitly prohibited.
- Films reviewed on their entire merits rather than topic alone.
- Titles/publicity materials must be approved, with bans on obscene or suggestive titles.
Board Actions on Review
- Board may approve, disapprove, or prohibit distribution and broadcast.
- Generally avoids film cuts; applies classification ratings (G, P, R, X).
- Only G and P classified films permitted for television, with time restrictions.
- Live TV programs need 48-hour notice; may require pre-taping if content is questionable.
- Deletions are made on prints, with original negatives preserved.
Exemptions from Review
- Educational, documentary, cultural, scientific, journalistic, industrial, sales, PR, instructional films may be exempted upon application and good cause.
Application and Review Procedure
- No film, TV program, or publicity material can be circulated without prior Board permit.
- Authorized applicants include persons with lawful rights over the works.
- Applications must be in writing, under oath, with full disclosures and supporting documents.
- Applications submitted at least five working days before intended showing; fees must be paid.
- Initial review by a Sub-Committee of three Board members, with the applicant informed of decisions and allowed reconsideration.
- Second review possible by a Sub-Committee of five upon appeal.
- Final disapproval can be appealed to the President of the Philippines.
- Separate permit needed for print/sign advertisements.
Duties and Responsibilities of Permit Holders
- Permits must be used solely for approved purposes.
- Integrity of approved materials must be preserved; no unapproved insertions.
- Exhibitors and broadcasters must only show permitted content.
- Announcements of Board classification required before exhibition.
- Age restrictions enforced based on classification.
- Advertising materials must reflect official classifications.
Import and Export Regulations
- Importation/exportation of films and related materials require prior permits.
- Unfit materials must be returned or face confiscation.
- Exported materials differing from locally approved versions need separate review.
Registration Requirements
- Entities involved in film import, production, distribution, or exhibition must register with the Board.
- Registration requires documents proving authority to operate and payment of fees.
- Registration certificates valid for two years and must be updated for changes.
- Registered persons receive privileges including ease in transactions and consultations.
Board Representatives
- May be appointed from community groups to assist in enforcement.
- Authorized to inspect exhibitions and demand permits.
- Must report violations promptly.
Regulatory Councils
- National and Local Regulatory Councils may be formed by the Board Chairman.
- Membership includes government, industry, and civic representatives.
- Councils serve advisory and implementation roles without compensation.
Violations and Penalties
- Unauthorized exhibition or distribution may result in confiscation and up to 90-day closure of venues.
- Tampering with approved materials may lead to suspension up to one year or cancellation of permits.
- Violations by exhibitors can result in suspension of operating rights.
- Fraudulent permit obtaining leads to cancellation.
- Fines may be substituted for closures or suspensions at Board’s discretion.
Hearing and Adjudication Process
- Violations heard by Board-designated lawyer-member with fair procedures but less formal rules.
- Decisions may be appealed to the Board Chairman.
- Chairman may order preventive measures including seizure, suspension, or closure pending hearing.
- Temporary orders limited to 20 days.
Other Legal Provisions
- Prior inconsistent regulations are repealed or amended.
- Rules take effect 15 days after publication in major Philippine newspapers.