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Movie and Television Review and Classification Board

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Movie and Television Review and Classification Board
Lupon sa Rebyu at Klasipikasyon ng Pelikula at Telebisyon
Agency overview
FormedOctober 5, 1985; 39 years ago (1985-10-05)
Preceding agency
  • Board of Censors for Motion Pictures (1969–1985)
TypeFilm and television classification
Headquarters18 MTRCB Building, Timog Avenue, Quezon City, 1103, Metro Manila, Philippines
MottoTemplate:Lang-fil
(English: "For Intelligent and Responsible Viewing")
EmployeesMore than 33
Agency executive
Parent agencyOffice of the President of the Philippines
WebsiteMTRCB

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (Template:Lang-fil;[1] abbreviated as MTRCB) is a Philippine government agency under the Office of the President of the Philippines that is responsible for the classification and review of television programs, motion pictures and home videos.

Unlike other organizations worldwide (such as the BBFC, currently not classify games anymore), the Board does not rate video games. Thus, the ESRB system used in the United States is the de facto rating system used in the Philippines, although there have been attempts at formulating an independent local rating system.[2] Certain video game vendors ask for a valid ID or any other verification to be able to buy M- and AO-rated games. The Board also does not rate literature.[3]

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board also serves as a de facto censorship body.[4]

The Board

The chairman, the vice-chairman and the other 30 Board members compose the Board. Each one holds office for a term of one year but may be reappointed after the expiration of their term. Rachel Arenas is the current Board chairman appointed since January 2017.[5]

List of board chairpersons

Name Term
Chairmen of the Board of Censors for Motion Pictures
Guillermo de Vega 1969 - 1975
Ma. Rocio Atienza de Vega 1975 - 1981
Maria Kalaw Katigbak 1981 - 1985
Chairmen of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board
Manuel "Manoling" Morato 1986 - 1992
Henrietta Silos Mendez 1992 - 1995
Jesus C. Sison 1995 - 1998
Armida Siguion-Reyna 1998 - 2001
Nicanor Tiongson 2001 (acting)
Alejandro Roces 2001 - 2002
Marilen Ysmael-Dinglasan 2002 (acting)
Dennis G. Manicad 2002 - 2003
Ma. Consoliza "Marissa" Laguardia 2003 - 2010
Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares 2010 - 2012
Emmanuel "Manning" H. Borlaza 2012 (acting)
Eugenio "Toto" H. Villareal 2012 - 2017
Ma. Rachel Arenas 2017–present

Classification ratings

Movies

The rating labels used in the Philippines for feature films.

Summary

Description[6]
G
 Viewers of all ages are admitted.
PG
 Viewers under 13 years old should be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult.
R-13
 Only viewers who are 13 years old and above can be admitted.
R-16
 Only viewers who are 16 years old and above can be admitted.
R-18
 Only viewers who are 18 years old and above can be admitted.
X
 "X-rated" films are not suitable for public exhibition.

General Audience ("G")

 G  Viewers of all ages are admitted. A "G" classification advises parents or supervising adults that the film is suitable for all audiences.

A film classified as "G" shall, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

  1. Theme – The film should not contain violence, threat, abuse, horror, or other themes that may cause fear or disturbance to a young child's mind.
  2. Language – The film may contain dialogue or other word representations beyond polite language, but profane, offensive, and sexually-suggestive language or gestures shall not be allowed.
  3. Nudity – The film may contain occasional, as well as natural non-sexual nudity.
  4. Sex – The film cannot contain and depict sexual activity.
  5. Violence – The depiction of any violence must be mild, brief, infrequent, and unlikely to cause undue anxiety or fear to young children.
  6. Horror – The depiction of horror and frightening scenes should be mild, brief, infrequent, and unlikely to cause undue anxiety or fear to young children.
  7. Drugs – There shall be no depiction of, or reference to, prohibited drugs or their use.

Parental Guidance ("PG")

 PG  Viewers below 13 years old should be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult. A "PG" classification advises parents or supervising adults that the film may contain any of the elements whose treatment is suitable for children below 13 years of age.

A film classified as "PG" shall, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

  1. Theme – The film may contain themes that require parental supervision and guidance, but should not promote any dangerous, violent, discriminatory, or otherwise offensive behavior or attitude.
  2. Language – The film may contain mild and infrequent swear words and menacing language. Offensive, menacing, threatening language and references to sex shall always be suitable for viewers who are below 13 years of age. Infrequent, brief and justifiable sexually-suggestive language may be allowed.
  3. Nudity – The film may contain occasional, as well as natural non-sexual nudity.
  4. Sex – The depiction of non-graphic sexual activity may be allowed, but it should be discreet, infrequent, and not prolonged.
  5. Violence – The depiction of non-gratuitous violence and suffering should be minimal, and without graphic detail;.
  6. Horror – The depiction of brief and infrequent horror and frightening scenes shall be allowed.
  7. Drugs – There shall be no depiction of, or reference to, prohibited drugs or substances and their use.

Restricted 13 ("R-13")

 R-13  Only viewers who are 13 years old and above can be admitted. An "R-13" classification advises parents, supervising adults, or the would-be viewers themselves, that the film may contain any of the elements that may not be suitable for children below 13 years of age.

A film classified as "R-13" must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

  1. Theme – The film may contain mature themes but is suitable for teenagers above 13 years of age, and shall not gratuitously promote or encourage any dangerous, violent, discriminatory, or otherwise offensive behavior or attitude.
  2. Language – The film may contain moderate swear words and menacing language consistent with the context of the scene in which they are employed. The use of infrequent and non-vulgar strong swear words or sexually-derived or suggestive expletives and expressions as well as the use of swear words and expletives shall be allowed. The use of sexually-oriented or suggestive language and other references to sex shall always be suitable for viewers who are at least 13 years of age.
  3. Nudity – The film may contain brief, discreet and justifiable occasional, natural and sexually-oriented nudity.
  4. Sex – Discreet, infrequent, brief, non-graphic and justifiable sexual activity may be depicted.
  5. Violence – Infrequent, non-gratuitous, non-graphic and justifiable violence may be allowed.
  6. Horror – The justifiable depiction of horror, frightening scenes, and occasional gore are allowed.
  7. Drugs – The brief, infrequent and justifiable depiction of drugs or their use may be allowed. The movie shall not in any case promote, condone, justify and/or encourage drug use.

Restricted–16 ("R-16")

 R-16  Only viewers who are 16 years old and above can be admitted. An "R-16" classification advises parents and supervising adults that the film may contain any of the elements that may not be suitable for children below 16 years of age.

A film classified as "R-16" must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

  1. Theme – There are no restrictions on themes; provided that the treatment is appropriate for viewers who are at least 16 years of age.
  2. Language – The film may use any kind of language.
  3. Nudity – The film may contain discreet, non-gratuitous and justifiable natural and sexually-oriented nudity.
  4. Sex – Non-graphic, non-gratuitous and justifiable sexual activity may be depicted.
  5. Violence – Non-gratuitous and justifiable violence and gore may be allowed.
  6. Horror – The non-gratuitous and justifiable depiction of horror, frightening scenes, and gore are allowed.
  7. Drugs – The non-gratuitous and justifiable depiction of drugs or their use may be allowed. The movie shall not in any case promote, condone, and encourage drug use.

Restricted-18 ("R-18")

 R-18  Only viewers who are 18 years old and above can be admitted. An "R-18" classification advises viewers, parents, and supervising adults that the film may contain any of the elements that may not be suitable for children below 18 years of age. SM Cinema does not show films in their cinemas classified by this rating.

An "R-18" rating does not mean that the film is "obscene", "offensive", or "pornographic," as these terms are defined by law.

A film classified as "R-18" must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

  1. Theme – There are no restrictions on themes and their treatment.
  2. Language – The film may use any kind of justifiable language.
  3. Nudity – The film may contain non-gratuitous and justifiable sexually-oriented nudity.
  4. Sex – The realistic depiction of non-gratuitous and justifiable sexual activity may be allowed.
  5. Violence – There are no restrictions on the depiction of non-gratuitous and justifiable violence.
  6. Horror – The justifiable depiction of horror, frightening scenes, and gore are allowed.
  7. Drugs – The justifiable depiction of drugs or their use may be allowed. In no case, however, should the use of drugs be promoted, condoned, justified and/or encouraged.

Not for Public Exhibition ("X")

 X  "X-rated" films are not suitable for public exhibition.

A film shall be disapproved for public viewing if, in the judgment of the Board:

  1. The average person, applying contemporary community standards and values, would find that the dominant theme of the work, taken as a whole appeals solely to the prurient interest and satisfies only the craving for gratuitous sex and/or violence.
  2. The film depicts in a patently lewd, offensive, or demeaning manner, excretory functions and sexual conduct such as sexual intercourse, masturbation and exhibition of the genitals.
  3. The film clearly constitutes an attack against any race, creed, or religion.
  4. The film condones or encourages abuse and exploitation against women and/or children.
  5. The film promotes or endorses the use of illegal drugs and substances.
  6. The film tends to undermine the faith and confidence of the people in their government and/or duly-constituted authorities.
  7. The film glorifies criminals or condones crimes.
  8. The film is libelous or defamatory to the good name and reputation of any person, whether living or dead.
  9. The film may constitute contempt of court or of a quasi-judicial tribunal, or may pertain to matters which are subjudicial in nature.

Use of movie ratings in television

Celestial Movies Pinoy uses an advisory for these movie ratings before showing of the film instead of television ratings.

Television

The MTRCB has implemented a television content rating system since November 1, 1995. Historically, there were only two television ratings used (see the table below). These ratings consisted of a plain text digital on-screen graphic (or pictogram) appearing on the corner of the screen during a program's run time.

Summary

System used from November 1, 1995 to October 5, 2011
February 11, 2015 to May 9, 2018 (both Yey! and Cine Mo!); July 2, 2020 to May 2, 2021 (Cine Mo! only)
July 20, 2019 to present (PTV-4 and Island Living on BEAM TV only)
June 13, 2020 to May 2, 2021 (Kapamilya Channel only; displayed only by default except in newscasts; not reviewed by the board)
Pictogram Rating
None
Plain text (PTV-4 (some programs), Island Living on BEAM TV only from July 2019 – present)		 General Patronage
Plain text only Parental Guidance
None
Plain text (Cine Mo!)		 Strong Parental Guidance

On October 6, 2011, in order to encourage parents to supervise and be responsible with their children in watching television, the rating system was reformatted, with one additional rating added.[7][8][9]

The ratings notice are always played before the start or midway of the show. The rating voice-overs are usually in Filipino, but predominantly English-language stations have the ratings notice spoken in English (within Abroad GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, GMA News TV International, Kapatid Channel, AksyonTV International, The Filipino Channel, Cinema One and ANC only spoken in English). Ratings notices were previously broadcast in a 4:3 aspect ratio, but has since been broadcast in a 16:9 widescreen format.

The green 'G', blue 'PG' and red 'SPG' graphic/DOG below are usually seen on the lower right or upper left corner of the screen during the entire show. All programs shown by the television channels are reviewed and classified by the said board. The board may suspend, reject or cancel programs, but cannot revoke broadcast licenses.

General Patronage ("G")

 G  Suitable for all ages. Material for television, which in the judgment of the Board does not contain anything unsuitable for children.

It appears in most home shopping blocks, children's programming, documentaries, and educational programming, as well as some religious programming.

A pictogram advisory accompanied by full-screen written verbal advisory to the effect that the program is classified as "General Patronage" shall be broadcast for at least 10 seconds immediately before the opening credits of the particular television material classified as such.

Parental Guidance / Patnubay at Gabay ("PG")

 PG  Parental guidance suggested. Material for television, which, in the judgment of the Board, may contain some adult material that may be permissible for children to watch but only under the guidance and supervision of a parent or adult.

The television program classified as "PG" must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria:

  1. Theme – More serious issues may be tackled but the treatment must be suitable to children below 13 years old.
  2. Language – Very mild swear words only shall be allowed. Use of a strong expletive in a sexual context or sexually-based expletives shall not be allowed. Neither shall prolonged and/or successive use of expletives be allowed.
  3. Nudity – Occasional natural, non-sexual nudity, is permissible.
  4. Sex – Graphic depiction of sexual activity shall not be permitted. Sexual activity may be implied but with no details shown.
  5. Violence – There should be no glamorization of weapons and crimes. No detail of fighting or other dangerous techniques. No detail or prolonged showing of violence or suffering.
  6. Horror – Scary sequences must be mild and brief.
  7. Drugs – There may only be implied depiction of prohibited drugs and/or substances or their use provided it does not condone, encourage or glamorize drug and/or substance use and it should be necessary to the theme and characterization.

A pictogram advisory accompanied by full-screen written and verbal advisory to the effect that the program is classified as "Parental Guidance" shall be broadcast for at least 10 seconds immediately before the opening credits of the particular television material classified as such. GMA Network's Wowowin airs two PG DOGs, the second one being the cue for regional stations to join in the Manila feed.

Strong Parental Guidance / Striktong Patnubay at Gabay ("SPG")

 SPG  Stronger and more vigilant parental guidance is suggested. Programs classified as "SPG" may contain more serious topics and themes, which may not be advisable for children to watch except under the very vigilant guidance and presence of a parent or an adult.

Television programs classified as "SPG" must still fall within the parameters of the existing Parental Guidance classification rating. However, to merit the issuance of an "SPG" rating, the gravity of the material must, in the judgment of the Board, be leaning towards the maximum allowable for Parental Guidance rating. In determining the proper classification rating, the Board shall consider the purpose, genre, and time slot of the program as well as the treatment and depiction of attendant factors such as, but not limited to: Theme (Tema), Language (Lenggwahe), Violence (Karahasan), Sex (Sekswal), Horror and Drugs (Droga).

In the exercise of its judgment, the Board shall take due consideration of balancing the interest of the State to protect the welfare of the youth with the interest of the broadcast networks to freedom of expression.

A pictogram advisory accompanied by a full-screen written advisory with voice over to the effect that the program is classified as "Strong Parental Guidance" shall be broadcast for at least 20 seconds, immediately before the opening credits and midway in the full airing of the particular television material classified as such. The full-screen advisory shall specifically declare the content descriptors pertinent to the program being shown, such as but not limited to: Theme (Tema), Language (Lenggwahe), Violence (Karahasan), Sex (Sekswal), Horror and Drugs (Droga).

The SPG rating was implemented on February 9, 2012.[10]

Disapproved for Airing on Television ("X")

Any television program that does not conform to the "G", "PG", and "SPG" classification shall be disapproved for television broadcast. The material shall be unfit for television broadcast if, in the judgment of the Board applying contemporary Filipino cultural values as standard, it is objectionable for being immoral, indecent, contrary to law and/or good customs, injurious to the prestige of the Republic of the Philippines or its people, or with a dangerous tendency to encourage the commission of violence, or of a wrong, or crime, such as but not limited to:

  1. The average person, applying contemporary community standards and values, would find that the dominant theme of the work, taken as a whole appeals solely to the prurient interest and satisfies only the craving for gratuitous sex and/or violence.
  2. The work depicts in a patently lewd, offensive, or demeaning manner, excretory functions, and sexual conduct such as sexual intercourse, masturbation and exhibition of the genitals.
  3. The work clearly constitutes an attack against any race, creed or religion.
  4. The work condones or encourages abuse and exploitation against women and/or children.
  5. The work promotes or endorses the use of illegal drugs and substances.
  6. The work tends to undermine the faith and confidence of the people in their government and/or duly constituted authorities.
  7. The work glorifies criminals or condones crimes.
  8. The work is libelous or defamatory to the good name and reputation of any person, whether living or dead.
  9. The work may constitute contempt of court of a quasi-judicial tribunal, or may pertain to matters, which are subjudicial in nature.

Exemptions of classification ratings in television

National and local newscasts are exempted from the ratings system (except in the case of selected news stories, such as in ABS-CBN's TV Patrol, which uses an SPG graphic for stories with sensitive or graphic content). Some regional news programs and some CNN Philippines newscasts air a PG advisory before the show, which may violate the rules. These circumstances, however, do not affect the program itself.[citation needed] TV5's Aksyon sa Tanghali, on the other hand, was given a Strong Parental Guidance rating in April 2018 due to its public service segments profane nature. The rating also includes the news segments of the said edition.

IBC 13 does not use either the green 'G', blue 'PG', or red 'SPG' graphics on selected programs and documentaries produced by the government-controlled Presidential Communications Group (Philippines) (PCOO), considering that they are information-based materials. DepEd TV and Solar Learning (DepEd ALS, a sister channel and digital subchannel of ETC) do not even use the three aforementioned rating graphics considering that they are educational content.

MTRCB cannot censor, rate, and use its power in films and shows presented in the University of the Philippines Film Center and its various grounds and venues.[citation needed]

Home videos

The Optical Media Board formerly governed censorship for home video releases; this has since been managed by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

Before 2015, unlike the theatrical ratings, only three are applied to video releases and printed on labels: General Audience (G) for films previously rated G in cinemas, Parental Guidance (PG) for most PG and some R-13 or R-16 titles (with cuts for the R-ratings), and Restricted For Adults (R) for some R-13, many R-16, and most R-18 titles [without cuts for R-16 and R-18, including films released unrated or with adults-only rating equivalents (e.g. R, 18+, M18, NC-17, Category III, R21) outside the Philippines].

Since 2015, the theatrical ratings were applied as home video ratings, replacing the previous system.

In addition to issuing parental ratings for home video content, routine inspections are also conducted at public transport terminals where passenger buses equipped with onboard entertainment systems can be found, to ensure that the films in question are approved by both agencies for public exhibition and are free of inappropriate content.[11]

Sanctions on content

Aside from administering parental ratings for movies and shows, the MTRCB also reserves the right to sanction a certain program depending on the gravity of the violation as a means of disciplinary action. The following cases involve domestic and international content suspensions, probations, and even self-regulations (including cable channel suspensions) due to the following issues with the content or cast.

Minor, Religious, Regional and government television networks in the Philippines

  • On August 16, 2004, MTRCB preemptively suspended the showing of the Ang Dating Daan on UNTV for 20 days due to slander and use of offensive and obscene language by its televangelist-host Eli Soriano, as a mean of disciplinary action.[12][13]
  • During the 2007 elections, RJTV aired political advertisements for the electoral alliance Genuine Opposition containing offensive and obscene language; they were later pulled off.
  • On July 27, 2019, People's Television Network's PCSO Lottery Draw the program was put into hiatus following orders from President Rodrigo Duterte to suspend all gambling-related operations of PCSO due to corruption allegations. However, the program partially resumed on July 31 as the President lifted the suspension of the lottery game. Though the Small Town Lottery among other games, which has a segment in the program stayed suspended until August 22, 2019.[14]

Major television networks

  • On August 6, 1999, Magandang Tanghali Bayan was suspended for 20 days due to inappropriate jokes made by hosts Willie Revillame, Randy Santiago and John Estrada on its segment Calendar Girls.
  • The controversial suspension of the documentary program I-Witness on GMA Network after it showed "Lukayo", a unique ritual dance from Laguna.
  • The Eda Nolan's wardrobe malfunction in Wowowee, which happened on May 12, 2007, suspended the show for 3 days.
  • In January 2010, It's Showtime was suspended for 20 days due to guest judge Rosanna Roces making denigrating remarks towards teachers. The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board also directed the filing of criminal charges against Florida Tan, ABS-CBN vice-president for programming, and other officers responsible for the violation.[15] Bong Osorio, head of ABS-CBN's Corporate Communications said that the suspension was not yet final and that they were seeking appeal before the Office of the President.[16] However, the suspension of the variety show lasted for only six days after the Court of Appeals issued a 60-day temporary restraining order against the MTRCB in January 2010, the issuance of the order, and therefore the return of the said show was announced on Magpasikat.[17][18][19]
  • Willing Willie received a month-long suspension after a child performed a suggestive dance while crying in front of the audience and on its live broadcast. It was placed also under probation, meaning that the show needs daily permits from the MTRCB before airing after the suspension was lifted.[20]
  • The 20-day suspension of T3: Kapatid, Sagot Kita! responses at actors Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto on its live broadcast. Before that, a brawl between their brother, Ramon Tulfo and on the latter couple happened in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. TV5 has questioned the board's decision to suspend the program, stating that the action was heavy-handed and called it an act of censorship, though it was then lifted after a couple of days.[21]
  • On May 30, 2012, the MTRCB imposed a 3-month suspension to T3: Kapatid Sagot Kita from May 31 to August 31, 2012 without cancellation, regarding to the same issue as above. After the suspension the program will be still under probation, meaning it needs daily permits from the MTRCB before airing until the board is convinced. Chairwoman Grace Poe-Llamanzares stated that MTRCB has the full jurisdiction in the program.[22] However, the suspension was once again lifted on June 21, this time under a 60-day temporary restraining order from the Court of Appeals.[23]
  • The episode Manika on Maalaala Mo Kaya was slated to be aired on June 2, 2012 but was pulled off after MTRCB granted it rated X regarding the sensitive rape theme. The episode finally aired on June 30, 2012, after it was given a SPG rating for its final televised airing.[24]
  • On 8 February 2013, the MTRCB imposed a six-month probation period on variety show Party Pilipinas for a lewd dance number involving Lovi Poe and Rocco Nacino. They also ordered GMA Network to apologize publicly. [25]
  • On October 7, 2015, the daily reality-dating game serial Nasaan Ka Mr. Pastillas? on It's Showtime drew the ire of netizens and the women's group Gabriela. Because of various complaints from online social networking sites, MTRCB summoned the show's executives to discuss the segment. After a thorough investigation, MTRCB imposed "self-regulation" on the said show, with a list of suggestions to improve the segment.
  • On July 29, 2016, the MTRCB sent summons to the producers, writers, and directors of FPJ's Ang Probinsyano over a scene in the July 25, 2016 episode (Girl in the Rain) with "sexually suggestive themes", albeit its SPG rating.[26]
  • Executives and producers of romantic dramedy Till I Met You were summoned after complaints came in over various inappropriate scenes and innuendo involving James Reid and Nadine Lustre. Summoned to attend the November 10 meeting were directors Antonette Jadaone and Andoy Ranay, executive producer Arnel Nacario and writer Shugo Praico. MTRCB said matters to be taken up include scenes from the October 25, 26, 27 and 28, 2016 episodes, deeming them inappropriate for public viewing.[27][28]
  • On September 6, 2017, the MTRCB called out drama series Impostora for intimate scenes involving Kris Bernal and Rafael Rosell. [29]
  • Selected programs on music channel Myx were given an SPG rating to warn the audience that there are offensive, indecent, and obscene language in some music videos.
  • On July 2, 2018, the replay broadcast of the FIBA Asia qualifying match on TV5 was given an SPG rating after the commercial break to warn the audience that the following scene will contain the infamous basketball brawl between Gilas Pilipinas and Australian Boomers during the basketball match. [30]

International content

  • On August 1, 1999, Sky Cable axes AXN from its programming lineup due to low and poor content, and too much violence on its programming because the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board did not yet review the channel. In addition to various complaints from its subscribers, no new programming lineup was offered by AXN. The said cable operator replaced it with a business channel, Bloomberg Television. But on other cable operators, AXN was broadcast without any interruption.
  • The TV-channel TVE Internacional's broadcast was suspended by the MTRCB because of sexual content. It was only unclear if the broadcast had been stopped only by Sky Cable or all the cable operators nationwide.
  • The HBO mini-series Entourage was blocked for 3 weeks on Sky Cable because the MTRCB has not yet reviewed it. But on other cable operators, the series was broadcast without any interruption.
  • On October 14, 2019, ten days after its release, Abominable, which was originally and formerly rated G, was banned in Vietnam due to the appearance of the Nine-Dash Line in a scene. Filipino lawyer Jay Batongbacal requested that the film be banned,[31] while the Philippines' Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. thought it was better to cut the "offending" scene.[32][33] However, due to territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the Philippines' Movie and Television Review and Classification Board also banned the film.

Domestic films

  • On August 28, 2006, To Live for the Masses, a documentary film portraying the life of former Philippine president Joseph Estrada in 2006, was given an X rating by the MTRCB considering it was libelous, incited political rebellion, and undermined people's faith in government.[34][35]
  • On March 28, 2017, psychological-thriller film Bliss was originally rated X by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board due to its depiction of excessive nudity and violence, and masturbation, deeming it unsuitable for public viewing. One of the board members noted the nudity to be "gratuitous". Later on, it was reclassified as R-18.[36]
  • Cinema One Originals film Metamorphosis was given an X rating by the MTRCB on November 6, 2019, due to humanizing intersex people and other sensitive scenes.[37]
  • On January 14, 2021, comedy-drama film Paglaki Ko, Gusto Kong Maging Pornstar was rated X by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board due to its depiction of excessive nudity and sexual content, and indecent language, deeming it unfit for public viewing. Originally slated for a theatrical release, it was exclusively shown on Viva Films' Vivamax streaming app.[38]

Timeline of television ratings

This timeline shows when the networks first used the system (this pertains only to the G and PG ratings, the SPG rating has been adopted simultaneously by almost all of the networks).

The board gave a deadline of until October 2011 for the other national, local, cable, and satellite television networks to switch onto the new graphic, although some of the programs adopted the system at a later date, or did not adopt at all. Cable channels (e.g., CNN Philippines and ETC) carried by free TV affiliates are required to follow the new rating system.

Digital subchannels using the rating system

Use of television ratings in other channels

Myx, a cable television channel of ABS-CBN, originally adopted the blue PG graphic on October 6 for the majority of their programs, but reverted to the static Parental Guidance DOG only two weeks after, only in showing music videos with graphic content. This was due to the fact that it may be hard to place the PG DOG while a music video is played along with the lyrics being shown at the same time. On February 1, 2018, the music channel started to use a PG DOG which is a text version only when playing music videos. Sometime in April 2018, the DOG was changed into a variation of the blue 'PG' which is in color black. On July 30, 2018, upon the channel's inclusion on ABS-CBN TV Plus, it reverted the standard blue 'PG' rating. Jeepney TV, ABS-CBN News Channel and TeleRadyo also added the blue 'PG', green 'G' and red 'SPG' graphic at the same time as its mother network, but it is only applied to its public affairs programs which also air on ABS-CBN. Selected programs from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao contain the blue 'PG' graphic are aired from ABS-CBN Regional such as Agri Tayo Dito, Kapamilya, Mas Winner Ka!, Mag TV Na (three of them were cancelled at the end of June 2018 as a part of cost-cutting measures to digitize all ABS-CBN Regional stations)[39] and various morning shows and public affairs programs (since the end of 2017, one of which is Ano Ngani? of TV-2 Tacloban, Arangkada of TV-2 Cagayan de Oro (now TV-4 Cagayan de Oro), Bida Kapampangan of TV-46 Pampanga and Salandigan of TV-4 Bacolod plus Saturday morning editions of Panay Sikat (TV-10 Iloilo), Maayong Buntag Kapamilya (TV-3 Cebu) and Maayong Buntag Mindanao (TV-4 Davao) extend their broadcast on Saturday effective from December 2014) with the exception of the green 'G' and red 'SPG' graphics.

Among local cable networks, ABS-CBN's Balls, Global Pinoy Cinema and Lifestyle (formerly Lifestyle Network and relaunched since 2018 as Metro Channel), as well as Solar Entertainment's Solar Sports and Jack TV continue to adopt the earlier static '(Strong) Parental Guidance' graphic on their programs (although channels like Cinema One, Pinoy Box Office, Tagalized Movie Channel, Viva Cinema (reverted from Viva TV), Zee Sine, Fox Filipino, AXN, Animax Asia, GEM, History Asia, Lifetime Asia, Crime & Investigation Network Asia, and Fyi Asia (formerly The Biography Channel), have a full screen advisory regularly aired before the show/movie without the static '(Strong) Parental Guidance' graphic) together with Sari-Sari Channel, the newest cable channel owned by TV5 Network Inc. and Viva Communications Inc. starting January 15, 2016.

GNN (reverted from One Media Network as Golden Nation Network) and Global Pinoy Cinema also used the blue PG rating in October 2011.

Fox (Asia), Fox Life (formerly Star World), Fox Crime, National Geographic, Fox Movies (formerly FOX Movies Premium HD and Star Movies), FX (Asia), Star Chinese Channel, Star Chinese Movies, and One Screen use their own rating systems, and Disney Channel and Cartoon Network have 'PG' rating systems for selected programs with mature themes, violence, adult content, and thriller.

Since January 1, 2013 and March 22, 2015 respectively, Jack TV and CT (formerly Jack City) use the abbreviated PG and SPG on the bottom right corner of the screen indicating the rating of the show replacing the static '(Strong) Parental Guidance' graphic. As Jack TV does not subscribe to MTRCB's new system, the SPG rating does not have sub-ratings.

In May 2018, Yey!, Cine Mo! and Knowledge Channel, which are all exclusive channels for ABS-CBN TV Plus, began subscribing to the MTRCB rating system. The channels are using the MTRCB advisory before the show starts, adopting the green 'G', blue 'PG' and red 'SPG' graphic, replacing the static "(Strong) Parental Guidance" DOG, but then on July 2, 2020 Cine Mo! (as a cable channel) reused the aforementioned graphic displayed by default, upon the termination of the said service due to expired franchise.

Cebu Catholic Television Network (CCTN) didn't show a 'PG' advisory. But, they adopted only the blue 'PG' graphic. In some talk shows, they don't show the blue 'PG' graphic.

For newscasts, the MTRCB DOGs were not present in all newscasts except for the following:

  • ABS-CBN's TV Patrol, Bandila and News Patrol use the red SPG DOG for stories with sensitive content.
  • TV5's Aksyon uses the SPG DOG, which is shown permanently on the upper left corner of the screen, for coarse language, usually for Aksyon sa Tanghali, which was the first newscast to be rated 'SPG' by the MTRCB because of their segment "Itimbre Mo Kay Tulfo" where anchor Raffy Tulfo solves issues by calling those involved in the issue, with occasional profanities or other similar insults thrown by both parties which cannot be censored in a live program.
  • Cebuano News and Kapampangan News, both regional newscasts from CNN Philippines (formerly Solar News Channel and 9TV), show the blue PG advisory at the start but don't show the PG DOG during the newscast themselves.

Radio

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP; English: Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines), an association unrelated to the government, governs censorship on radio, although it can only reprimand its own members using the required disciplinary action. Some radio stations[clarification needed] have their own PG and SPG advisory before the start of the program, should it contain mature themes.

Internet

Although the board itself does not govern nor does it censor TV shows and movies online, video streaming services such as VIU, Disney+ Hotstar, iflix, Netflix, and HBO Go make use of their own content rating systems to ensure whether content is or isn't family-friendly.[citation needed]

On September 3, 2020, it was reported that MTRCB wanted to seek the "regulation" of video content that is provided by streaming platforms such as Netflix. According to Atty. Jonathan Presquito, the MTRCB legal affairs division chief, there is a necessity proceed with the regulation, especially because several video content are unrated.[40] However, the move was strongly criticized by several groups and people, noting that the MTRCB has become a tool of censorship.[41] Senator Franklin Drilon said that the move was "very impractical".[42]

Controversies

Despite touting itself as promoting Filipino values and "intelligent viewing", the board has drawn criticism from filmmakers and special interest groups for its vested interest in the film and television industries, de facto censorship, stifling of creative freedoms on the grounds of family-friendliness, and allegations of inaccuracy in film and television ratings.[43]

Critics contend that the board has not rated certain media, particularly international superhero, action and fantasy films, such as Michael Bay's Transformers and the Harry Potter series (based on the novels by J.K. Rowling), along with locally produced romantic comedies, harshly for violent or sexual themes, noting the arbitrary and biased classification based on board members' opinions on certain films for mature audiences yet overlooking certain scenes or themes that would be given a higher rating elsewhere.[44]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

References

  1. ^ "Mga Pangalan ng Tanggapan ng Pamahalaan sa Filipino" (PDF). Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (in Filipino). 2013. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  2. ^ "Restrictions On Video Games Proposed". Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. January 6, 2013. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  3. ^ https://www.concrete-online.co.uk/age-restrictions-on-literature/. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. ^ Freedom of Expression and the Media in the Philippines (PDF). Article19, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility. December 2005. p. 44. ISBN 1902598806. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  5. ^ Ranada, Pia. "Rachel Arenas is new MTRCB chairperson". Rappler. Retrieved 2019-06-05.
  6. ^ "Chapter IV – Movie, Television and Trailer Classification". 2004 Implementing Rules and Regulations (PDF). Philippines: Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 November 2015. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
  7. ^ "Classification ng TV ratings, nirepaso ng MTRCB" (in Tagalog). DZMM. Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  8. ^ Cruz, Marinel (6 October 2011). "MTRCB revises rating system for TV shows". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  9. ^ Matabuena, Julien Merced (6 October 2011). "Revised TV classifications launched by MTRCB". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on 17 October 2011. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  10. ^ "Bagong rating na 'Strong Parental Guidance,' ilulunsad ng MTRCB" (in Tagalog). DZMM. Archived from the original on 9 February 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  11. ^ "MTRCB conducts surprise inspection at Cubao bus station". GMA News. GMA Network. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  12. ^ https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/04/30/09/sc-sustains-suspension-ang-dating-daan#:~:text=Saying%20it%20found%20as%20obscene,and%20Classification%20Board%20(MTRCB).]
  13. ^ https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2009/apr2009/gr_164785_2009.html
  14. ^ https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/702541/duterte-suspends-pcso-gaming-operations-cites-corruption/story/
  15. ^ crix on Fri, March 26, 2013 – 19:08 (March 26, 2012). "(UPDATE 2) MTRCB suspends 'Showtime' for 1 month | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 8, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  16. ^ showtime tfcfan... on Fri, March 26, 2012 – 22:05 (March 26, 2018). "ABS-CBN statement on 'Showtime' | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 8, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ Almo, Nerisa (January 18, 2012), Showtime returns on air tomorrow, Philippine Entertainment Portal
  18. ^ Showtime will be back on air today retrieved via www.abs-cbn.com January 19, 2013
  19. ^ "Could 'Showtime' be airing its final episode?". ABS-CBN.com. March 27, 2012. Retrieved December 8, 2012.
  20. ^ http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=682206&publicationSubCategoryId=200
  21. ^ "MTRCB suspends Tulfos' TV show for 20 days, TV5 cries 'censorship'". GMA News. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 11 May 2012.
  22. ^ "MTRCB suspends Tulfo bros' show for threats against Raymart Santiago". GMA News. 30 May 2012. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
  23. ^ "CA, pinayagan ang muling pagpapalabas ng programa ng Tulfo Bros" (in Tagalog). DZMM. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
  24. ^ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4220788/
  25. ^ ‘Party Pilipinas’ put on probation over ‘lewd’ dance - from the Philippine Daily Inquirer
  26. ^ Rappler.com (August 15, 2016). "MTRCB meets with 'Ang Probinsyano' producers over 'sexually suggestive' scene". Rappler. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  27. ^ V, Marcus (2016-11-03). "Till I Met You execs summoned by MTRCB over racy Jadine scenes and innuendos". Kicker Daily News.
  28. ^ "TILL-I-MET-YOU.pdf" (PDF). MTRCB. 2016-11-02.
  29. ^ [1] - from= Philippine Entertainment Portal
  30. ^ Saldajeno, Ivan Stewart (3 July 2018). "Brawl ensues in Gilas-Australia game". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
  31. ^ @JayBatongbacal (October 14, 2019). "I agree, this film should be BANNED" (Tweet). Retrieved October 17, 2019 – via Twitter.
  32. ^ Charmaine A. Tadalan (October 16, 2019). "Locsin suggests: Cut 'offending scene' in Abominable movie". Business World. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
  33. ^ Mario Ritter Jr. (October 16, 2019). "Philippines Objects to 'Abominable' Movie Map". Voice of America. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
  34. ^ Echeminada, Perseus (August 23, 2006). "Erap DVD gets MTRCB 'X' rating". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
  35. ^ "MTRCB gives final 'X' rating to Erap biopic". GMA News and Public Affairs. August 29, 2006. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
  36. ^ "Why new Iza Calzado movie got X-rating from MTRCB". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. March 29, 2017. Archived from the original on April 7, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  37. ^ https://entertainment.inquirer.net/350711/mtrcb-gives-metamorphosis-x-rating#:~:text=MANILA%2C%20Philippines%20%E2%80%94%20A%20Cinema%20One,and%20Classification%20Board%20(MTRCB).
  38. ^ https://www.facebook.com/1674849226154795/posts/2587677534871955/
  39. ^ ABS-CBN Regional cancels Agri Tayo Dito, MagTV na accessed June 30, 2018
  40. ^ "MTRCB wants content in Netflix, other video streaming sites regulated". Philippine Daily Inquirer. September 3, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  41. ^ "Cultural workers, netizens slam the board's bid to regulate Netflix, other video sites". Cebu Daily News. September 3, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  42. ^ "Drilon hits 'very impractical' plan of MTRCB to regulate content of Netflix, others". Philippine Daily Inquirer. September 3, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  43. ^ "10 Extremely Controversial MTRCB Decisions That Upset The Public". Filipiknow. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
  44. ^ "Is the MTRCB Really Helpful With Their Ratings? – Pelikula Mania". Retrieved 26 March 2017.
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