NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
MTRCB Pushes Back: Defends Its Mandate Against DGPI's 'Cash Cow' Remark
Photo credit: MTRCB
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has responded to what it described as an irresponsible and baseless accusation from the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI). The DGPI had claimed that the agency is being used as a cash cow — a remark the MTRCB says unfairly undermines its role and the people behind its operations.
The MTRCB emphasized that it is a government body mandated to protect the public — especially children — from harmful content across various media platforms. To suggest that the agency's work is profit-driven, according to the Board, disrespects the integrity of its 31 Board Members who are tasked with reviewing and classifying thousands of materials both local and international. Many of these board members, the statement notes, are familiar faces in the industry — some of whom may have even collaborated with DGPI members in the past.
“We categorically reject this unfounded accusation,” the agency said. “The MTRCB is a regulatory body created by law to classify content in a way that protects the viewing public, especially minors, while recognizing constitutional freedoms.”
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions around Senate Bill No. 2805, which recently passed third and final reading in the Senate. While the bill seeks to update the MTRCB’s regulatory scope to include online streaming services and curated digital platforms, the agency clarified a crucial point: there will be no mandatory prior review or censorship of streaming content. Instead, the proposed changes aim to ensure safeguards are in place against harmful material — particularly those involving child abuse or exploitation — through collaboration with digital content providers and the implementation of protective measures like “safety by design.”
MTRCB also stressed that the bill is not yet law. The House of Representatives has yet to act on its counterpart measure, and with the 19th Congress set to adjourn next week, it’s unlikely to progress further during this session. This leaves plenty of room for continued public dialogue, feedback, and refinement of the measure.
In its appeal, the agency urged all stakeholders, especially non-government groups like the DGPI, to engage in respectful discourse.
“We expect no less than civility from entities like the DGPI,” the statement read. “Let us approach this issue with reason and mutual respect.”
The MTRCB closed by reaffirming its core principles: no censorship, no prior restraint, and full respect for the freedom of expression — all while fulfilling its duty to safeguard Filipino values and public welfare in an evolving media landscape.
The MTRCB emphasized that it is a government body mandated to protect the public — especially children — from harmful content across various media platforms. To suggest that the agency's work is profit-driven, according to the Board, disrespects the integrity of its 31 Board Members who are tasked with reviewing and classifying thousands of materials both local and international. Many of these board members, the statement notes, are familiar faces in the industry — some of whom may have even collaborated with DGPI members in the past.
“We categorically reject this unfounded accusation,” the agency said. “The MTRCB is a regulatory body created by law to classify content in a way that protects the viewing public, especially minors, while recognizing constitutional freedoms.”
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions around Senate Bill No. 2805, which recently passed third and final reading in the Senate. While the bill seeks to update the MTRCB’s regulatory scope to include online streaming services and curated digital platforms, the agency clarified a crucial point: there will be no mandatory prior review or censorship of streaming content. Instead, the proposed changes aim to ensure safeguards are in place against harmful material — particularly those involving child abuse or exploitation — through collaboration with digital content providers and the implementation of protective measures like “safety by design.”
MTRCB also stressed that the bill is not yet law. The House of Representatives has yet to act on its counterpart measure, and with the 19th Congress set to adjourn next week, it’s unlikely to progress further during this session. This leaves plenty of room for continued public dialogue, feedback, and refinement of the measure.
In its appeal, the agency urged all stakeholders, especially non-government groups like the DGPI, to engage in respectful discourse.
“We expect no less than civility from entities like the DGPI,” the statement read. “Let us approach this issue with reason and mutual respect.”
The MTRCB closed by reaffirming its core principles: no censorship, no prior restraint, and full respect for the freedom of expression — all while fulfilling its duty to safeguard Filipino values and public welfare in an evolving media landscape.
Jun 5, 2025
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