THE Senate’s joint panel has approved expanding the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board’s (MTRCB) regulatory authority to include online streaming platforms.
The expansion is outlined in Senate Bill No. 2805, detailed in Committee Report No. 311, which was prepared collaboratively by four Senate panels: Public Information and Mass Media, Ways and Means, Finance, and Games and Amusement.
It was sponsored by Senator Robinhood Padilla.
“[MTRCB] should be authorized to regulate video content on streaming platforms to maintain the standards of decency and morality expected by Filipinos,” stated by a Senate press release.
Meanwhile, it can be recalled that back in 2023, Sen. Padilla expressed his desire to regulate the contents on online streaming platforms to “ guide our youths who are exposed to shows and audiovisual media in various modes and platforms”.
“Kami pong lahat na taga-pelikula na nandidito sa Senado naniniwala po na kailangan madagdagan ang mandato ninyo para labanan po natin itong mga online na ito,” he said during a 2023 hearing.
With this, the movies and series from online streaming platforms like Netflix will now undergo screening and review by the MTRCB.
Other platforms could also be subject to this regulation, as the law defines on-demand streaming services as online platforms offering curated content accessible to the public via the internet.
Under this bill, the online streaming platforms are required to prominently display accurate content ratings and classifications in both English and Filipino, not only on the content itself but also in all promotional materials.
Platforms must also implement safety measures like parental controls to restrict access to inappropriate content.
They must also establish mechanisms for users to submit feedback or complaints about content ratings and respond promptly, while providing clear contact information and accessible help resources.
The bill also proposes that the MTRCB chairperson and vice-chairperson receive ranks, salaries, rights, privileges, and benefits comparable to those of a department undersecretary and assistant secretary.
