The Impact of Senate Bill on the Film Community: MTRCB's
- MTRCB will implement whatever is approved by Congress and the President regarding Senate Bill No. 2805
- The bill would expand MTRCB’s powers to include streaming platforms in its regulatory powers
- The DGPI strongly opposes the bill, stating it would impinge on the film industry and limit free expression
- Screenwriter and director Chris Martinez criticized the bill as a step back in media control
- MAVX producer Erwin Blanco called for a balanced approach to regulating streaming platforms
- MTRCB responded to DGPI’s claims of being a cash cow, emphasizing their role in protecting viewers and respecting constitutional freedoms
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has recently made headlines as the Senate approved Senate Bill No. 2805, also known as the MTRCB Act, on its third and final reading. This bill aims to expand and strengthen the mandate of the MTRCB by including streaming platforms in its regulatory powers. Sen. Robinhood Padilla, who chairs the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, sponsored the bill and expressed gratitude to his fellow senators for their support.
In response to the Senate approval, MTRCB chairperson and chief executive officer Diorella Maria Sotto-Antonio stated that the agency will “implement” whatever is “approved by Congress and the President.” She emphasized that the MTRCB will defer to the wisdom of lawmakers on this matter, although the House of Representatives has yet to pass its version of the bill.
The proposed 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. While the amendments include OCCs and SVODs in the coverage of MTRCB, the Board clarified that it does not seek to rate or review these materials. Instead, the goal is to address valid concerns such as harmful online content, especially those involving child abuse, exploitation, or voyeurism.
The protection of children remains the MTRCB’s top priority, with a collective hope that any amendment should prioritize the safeguarding of children. However, not everyone in the film community is in favor of the proposed bill. The Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI) strongly opposes Senate Bill No. 2805, citing concerns about the potential implications of expanding the MTRCB’s powers.
In a statement, the DGPI criticized the bill for shifting the focus of the MTRCB from self-regulation of the film/TV industries to a role as a guardian of public morals. They argued that the bill could lead to censorship and control over Filipino hearts and minds, infringing on freedoms protected by the Constitution and international human rights declarations. The DGPI also expressed concerns about the impact on the struggling local film industry and content creators’ rights to free expression.
Screenwriter and director Chris Martinez also voiced his opposition to the bill, likening it to a step backward in terms of media control. He criticized the attempt to regulate streaming platforms and questioned the relevance of the MTRCB in the age of global streaming and content creation. Martinez highlighted the importance of protecting viewers, especially minors, but emphasized the need for balance and careful consideration when regulating streaming platforms.
MAVX producer Erwin Blanco echoed similar sentiments, noting that the focus should be on supporting filmmakers and the local film industry rather than imposing further regulations. Blanco emphasized the importance of offering assistance to filmmakers through funding, distribution opportunities, education, and collaboration to create a thriving and sustainable creative industry.
In response to the criticism from the DGPI, the MTRCB defended its mandate and emphasized its role as a regulatory body tasked with classifying content to protect the viewing public. The MTRCB refuted claims of being profit-driven and called for reason and respect in addressing the matter. They highlighted the ongoing legislative process and the opportunity for further scrutiny, refinement, and consultation before any final decisions are made.
As the debate over the expansion of MTRCB’s powers continues, it is clear that stakeholders in the film community have differing opinions on the matter. While some support the bill as a means of protecting viewers, others raise concerns about potential censorship and control over creative expression. The outcome of this legislative process will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of the film and television industry in the Philippines.
/Digital Sauce
