Philippines: Introduced Movie and Television Review and Classification Board Act (SB No. 2805)

On 9 March 2024, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board Act (SB No. 2805) was introduced to the Senate of the Philippines, substituting the Video and Online Games and Outdoor Media Regulation Act (SB No.1063). The Act would amend the purpose of presidential decree No. 1986, known as "creating the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB)". The Act would expand MTRCB's jurisdiction to include online curated content services, defined as streaming services, that offer a fully curated content catalogue, and on-demand online streaming services, defined as streaming media services that include online curated content services that are publicly offered and accessible to the users through the internet. On-demand streaming services would need to register with the board in order to operate in the Philippines, adhere to content classification guidelines, prominently display ratings, and implement safety measures for parental control. They must provide mechanisms for feedback and complaints and maintain contact details for regulatory communication. The MTRCB could now approve, disapprove, or modify the content of movies, TV programs, series, and publicity materials intended for public viewing in the Philippines. The board applies contemporary Filipino cultural values to determine whether the content is objectionable based on criteria like immorality, indecency, violations of law, or threats to public order, health, or safety. Specifically, the board can act against content that incites rebellion, undermines confidence in the government, glorifies crime, promotes violence or pornography, supports drug use, defames individuals, disrespects court proceedings, or incites discrimination, hostility, or prejudice against any group. The Act would empower the MTRCB with quasi-judicial powers, enabling it to act on complaints or initiate actions on its own to enforce laws. It has the authority to conduct hearings, issue subpoenas, and cite individuals for contempt. It can impose penalties, such as the suspension of TV shows, closure of theatres or stations, and seizure of objectionable materials.