Once enacted into law, this would allow the the board to review content from streaming services.
In a 21-1-0 vote, the Senate moved to approve on its third and final reading the bill that would expand the mandate of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) by including streaming platforms in its regulatory powers.
According to Sen. Robinhood C. Padilla, sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2805 or the MTRCB Act, the body should be authorized to regulate video content on streaming platforms to “maintain the standards of decency and morality expected by Filipinos.”
“Ang tagumpay ng panukalang ito sa mataas na kapulungan ay hindi tagumpay ninuman, kundi ng libo-libong manonood, lalo’t higit ang kabataan, na kailangan nating mabigyan ng proteksyon habang sinisiguro ang malikhaing pagpapahayag sa mundo ng telebisyon at pelikula,” Padilla added.
He also singled-out Western-influenced content, saying that these “often requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to protecting young audiences,” in contrast to Asian productions that might align with Filipino culture.
In the press release, it was also noted that under Section 3 (e) of the MTRCB bill, “On-Demand Streaming Services” refers to internet-based services that provide online curated content platforms from which users can stream or download videos for offline viewing.
“For paid on-demand streaming services, the Board shall order a reclassification after screening, only as necessary,” it added.
Moreover, the new charter will allow MTRCB to regulate streaming contents in its bid to address issues of obscenity, immorality, and senseless violence in digital platforms.
Aside from that, the new act will also align the salary, rights, privileges and benefits of the Chairperson and Vice-chairperson with to a Department undersecretary and Department assistant secretary, respectively.
The MTRCB, in response, said that it “extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Senate of the Philippines for the approval” of the said bill.