Film Community Reacts to Senate Bill Expanding MTRCB's Powers

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) said that they will "implement" whatever is "approved by Congress and the President" over the Senate approval on the third and final reading of Senate Bill No. 2805 or the MTRCB Act.

- By CHARMIE JOY PAGULONG

Sen. Robinhood Padilla, who chairs the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, sponsored the bill which "would strengthen and expand the mandate of the MTRCB by including streaming platforms in its regulatory powers."

He expressed gratitude to his fellow senators who supported the bill, which would "further protect viewers, particularly youth, while ensuring creative expression in the fields of television and film."

MTRCB chairperson and chief executive officer Diorella Maria Sotto-Antonio said in a statement that the agency will "respectfully defer to the wisdom of our lawmakers on the matter."

The MTRCB, however, noted that the House of Representatives has yet to pass its version of the bill. "So, it may continue into the next Congress where it will be subjected to deliberations and further discussions. The amendments seek to establish appropriate mechanisms for cooperation with online streaming platforms and online curated content providers (OCCs) and streaming videos on-demand (SVOD). These include the adoption of safeguards such as 'safety by design' principles and the creation of structured feedback mechanisms and accountability."

The MTRCB stressed that "while the amendments include OCCs and SVODs in the coverage of MTRCB, the Board does not seek to rate or review these materials."

"Rather, the measure seeks to ensure that the State is not left helpless in addressing valid concerns and issues such as harmful online contents, particularly materials involving child abuse, exploitation, or voyeurism." The MTRCB, nevertheless, emphasized that the protection of children is their utmost priority. "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." DGPI OPPOSES BILL Several members of the film community have reacted on the matter, with the Directors' Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI) "strongly opposing" the bill.