The Senate has passed on final reading Senate Bill No. 2805, or the MTRCB Act, which seeks to strengthen the mandate of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) by extending its regulatory powers to include online streaming platforms.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Robinhood Padilla, aims to ensure that video content across both traditional and digital platforms upholds standards of morality and decency expected by the Filipino public.
“[MTRCB] should be authorized to regulate video content on streaming platforms to maintain the standards of decency and morality expected by Filipinos,” a Senate press release stated.
Padilla noted that while some content from Asian productions may align with Filipino values, Western-influenced content “often requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to protecting young audiences.”
Under the proposed measure, paid on-demand streaming services will be required to submit a list and classification of all movies, series, and programs offered. MTRCB may then order a reclassification after screening, “only as necessary.”
The bill also elevates the positions of MTRCB chairperson and vice-chairperson, granting them the rank and benefits equivalent to a department undersecretary and assistant secretary, respectively.
The Directors’ Guild of the Philippines Inc. (DGPI) issued a statement opposing the bill. While they support content classification to help guide minors and parents, they reject “the bill’s retention of the X-rating”, which bans provocative or unorthodox content—even for adult viewers.
“There is no need to create a redundant new law such as SB 2805 that would further destroy content creators’ rights to free expression and viewers’ rights to free access to expression,” DGPI said.
They further argued: “It is ironic that this bill seeks to sabotage [the creative industry’s] gains with its draconian provisions and seems set on cannibalizing what is left with these absurd acts of legislation.”
DGPI also highlighted the personal nature of streaming content: “The DGPI stands against the expansion of MTRCB’s jurisdiction into the online streaming space because it is largely a private viewing experience, and does not count as public exhibition.”
In an earlier statement, MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto said the board is prepared to follow whatever version of the bill is passed into law.
“Whatever is ultimately approved by Congress and the President, we will implement it,” Sotto stated.
The MTRCB also clarified that it does not intend to impose prior constraints or mandatory reviews on streaming materials. “The Board does not seek to rate or review these materials… There is no prior constraint or a mandatory review before content is shown.”
“In the end, it is our collective hope that any amendment should be firmly anchored on the principle that the protection of children is a top priority,” the statement concluded.
As of this writing, the House of Representatives has yet to pass its version of the bill.
