FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
SENATE. 
S.B. No. 2406 
) 
) 
) 
Introduced by: SEN. RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Our natian has, far many decades naw, always upheld a basic yet 
highly impartant right; the right ta freedam .of expressian. The Philippines 
in fact prides itself as being .one .of the first natians in Asia ta recagnize 
and uphald this freedam. Indeed, Dr. Jase Rizal and Graciana Lapez 
Jaena wauld be proud ta witness that they have successfully instilled in us 
the value .of being persistent and relentless in fartifying the freedam .of 
expressian they had faught far. 
At present times, what same refer ta as the cammunicatian era, 
there seems ta be an averflaw .or influx .of media transmissian. 
Cammunicatian and disseminatian .of infarmatian has never been as easy 
or as accessible to the people and every day, technalogy is finding newer 
ways to further improve this powerful tool (communications). But like every 
other thing of might and pawer, the rise .of. cammunication brings along 
with it an equally impartant aspect; that .of respansibility. Because .of the 
fact that media has become an indispensable part .of .our lives, and has in 
fact been proven to shape and influence' our thoughts and actions, 
especially the young susceptible minds, there is certainly a need ta ensure 
the integrity and quality .of infarmatian .or· entertainment that is readily 
available for tHe public. 
This measure calls far the creation .of the M.ovie and Television 
Review and Classification Commission which shall be tasked to promate 
and protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and s.ocial well-being 
of our youth and ta shield them from conditions prejudicial to their normal 
devel.opment. It is for these reasons that I call upon my colleagues for the 
immediate passage of this measure. 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. __ 
2-::4=-0=-6-,--_ 
Introdnced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR. 
AN ACT CREATING THE 
MOVIE AND TELEVISION REVIEW AND CLASSIFICATION 
COMMISSION, ABOLISHING FOR THE PURPOSE 
THE MOVIE AND TELEVISION REVIEW AND CLASSIFICATION BOARD 
(MTRCB) 
, 
SECTION 1. Short Title. 
This Act shall be called the Movie and Television Review and Classification 
Commission or the "MTRCC ACT OF 2010", 
SECTION 2. State Policies. 
It is a declared policy of the State to promote and protect the physical, moral, 
spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being of the youth and to shield them from other 
conditions prejudicial to their normal development. 
It is further declared that the welfare of children and the State's mandate to 
protect and care for them, as parens patriae, constitute a substantial and compelling 
government interest in regulating motion pictures and television broadcasts. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. 
As used in this Act: 
a) "Adult" shall refer to any person eighteen (18) years of age and over; 
b) "Advertisements" shall refer to any audiovisual' statement or notice that solicits 
patronage of a product or service, or enhance a business' general standing when the 
same is shown in movie theaters, free television, cable television, or other electronic 
forms of mass media; 
c) Cable Television Service - shall refer to the delivery of audiovisual material, 
whether by wire or wireless method, to subscribers for a consideration, whether in the 
form of subscription fee, membership fee, or its equh:alent; 
d) "Chairperson" shall refer to the Chairperson of the MTRCC; 


. 
e) "Classification" shaH refer to the rating imposed by the MTRCC on any motion 
picture, 
television or cable television programs, 
publicity materials 
and 
advertisements to detennine audience suitability; 
f) "Commission" shall refer to the Members of the MTRCC; 
g) 
"Committee" shall refer to the Review and Classification Committee of the 
MTRCC; 
h) "Commercial Exhibition" shall refer to public showing of a motion picture where 
the general public seeks admission for a consid~ration, whether in the form of 
admission fee, membership fee or its equivalent, to view said motion picture; 
i) "General Viewing" shall refer to making motion pictures, television programs, 
publicity materials or advertisements available to the general public for its viewing 
through film packs, compact discs, tapes or similar materials sold, leased, or lent in 
commercial outlets, public lending clubs, and similar organizations; 
j) "Live Programs" shall refer to any television program containing events which are 
happening simultaneously as it is actually being broadcast; 
k) "Motion Picture" shall refer to a series of pictures projected on screen in rapid 
succession, with objects shown in successive positions slightly changed so as to 
produce the optical effect of a continuous picture in which the objects move, whether 
the picture be black and white or colored, silent or with accompanying sound, on 
whatever medium and with whatever mechanisms or equipment they are projected, 
and in whatever material they are preserved or recorded for instant projection. For the 
purpose of this Act, the materials in which the motion picture is contained, preserved, 
or recorded fonns an integral part of the motion picture subject of this Act. 
1) "Movie theaters and cinemas" shall refer to amusement places where a person seeks 
admission, with or without an admission fee, whether for profit or not, and whether 
for commercial and proprietary purposes or not, to vi~w a motion picture; 
m) "MTRCC" shaH refer to the entire organizational structure of the Movie and 
Television Review and Classification Commission; 
n) "Newscast or News Program" shall refer to the straight presentation of events or 
the depiction of actualities without commentaries or .opinions from the news deliverer; 
0) "Non-Commercial Exhibition" shall refer to: 
i) Public showing of motion pictures imposing no admission fee, membership fee 
or its equivalent; and 
ii) Limited exhibition of motion pictures to organizations, societies, clubs, 
groups, associations; 
p) "Obscene Material" shall refer to a material which has the tendency to deprave or 
corrupt those whose minds are open to such immoral influences and which is 
offensive to decency, chastity or delicacy; or material which to a reasonable person, 
applying contemporary Filipino cultural values as :standard, would find the work 
. 
, 
appeals to the prurient interest; or material which depicts, describes, or shows, in a 
patently offensive way, sexual conduct such as but not limited to representations or 
2 


descriptions of ultimate sexual acts (whether normal or perverted, actual or 
simulated), masturbation, excretory functions, lewd exhibition of breast or genital, or 
any act that portrays erotic behavior designed to cause the sexual excitement; or 
material which, taken as whole, lacks serious literaiy, artistic, political, or scientific 
value. 
q) "President" shall refer to the President of the Republic of the Philippines; 
r) "Public Affairs Program" shall refer to a variety of news treatment; a cross between 
pure television news and news-related commentaries, analysis and/or exchange of 
opinions; 
s) "Publicity Materials" 
shall refer to any material employed to generate public 
interest in a motion picture, television or cable television program and includes 
trailers which consists of scenes taken from a motion picture or television program OJ 
layouts for print publication, or advertorials, still photos, leaflets, posters and 
billboards; 
t) "Review" shall refer to examination of motion pictures, television and cable 
television programs, publicity materials, and advertisements for the purpose of 
classification for audience suitability; 
u) "Television Broadcast" shall refer to wire or wireless transmission of audiovisual 
material to free television, cable television or similar service; 
v) "Television Program" shall refer to any matter aired or broadcast on free television 
and cable television including live programs, advertisements, teleplays and motion 
pictures. 
SECTION 4. Creation/Abolition. 
To implement the policies enunciated in this Act, the Movie and Television 
Review and Classification Commission (MTRCC), is hereby created. The MTRCB 
created under Presidential Decree No. 1986 is hereby, abolished. 
The MTRCC shall be composed of the Members of the Commission, a 
Review and Classification Committee, and a Secretariat composed of a Director for 
Legal and Prosecution Service and a Director for Administrative and Technical 
Services. 
The MTRCC shall be placed under the Office of the President and shall have 
its principal office in Metropolitan Manila. 
SECTION 5. The MTRCC. 
The MTRCC shall be composed of a Chairperson and four (04) Members of 
the Commission, all of whom shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines. 
The four (04) Members of the Commission shall be composed of the following: 
a. 
One (1) representative from the child and welfare organization; 
3 


b. 
One (1) representative from the movie and broadcast industry; 
c. 
One (1) representative from the religious sectqr; and 
d. 
One (1) representative from the academe. 
The members shall be nominated by their industry organizations. At least two 
(2) members of the Commission shall be members of the Integrated Bar of the 
Philippines. The members of the Commission shall elect from among themselves the 
Vice-Chairperson. 
They shall hold office for a term of three (3) years unless sooner removed by 
the President for cause. Provided, that, they shall b~ eligible for reappointment after 
the expiration of their respective terms. Provided, further, that no Member shall serve 
for more than two (2) consecutive terms. 
If any Member fails to complete his term, ·the person appointed to fill the 
vacancy shall serve only for the unexpired portion of the term of the member whom 
he succeeds. 
SECTION 6. Qualifications. 
The Members of the Commission shall be natural-born Filipino citizens, at 
least twenty-one years (21) of age, and of good moral character. Provided, that, the 
Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall be at least thirty-five (35) years of age, of 
known probity and managerial and administrative competence. Provided, further, that 
no member of the Commission shall be directly connected with the .movie and 
television industries. Provided, finally, that, no person who is a stockholder, officer, 
partner or owner of a television station or any entity. engaged in the production, sale, 
distribution, importation, exportation, showing or exhibition of any motion 
picture/television program/publicity material/advertisement, or related within the 
fourth civil degree of consanguinity with the President of the Republic of the 
Philippines or with the president or owner of any entity engaged in the production, 
sale, distribution, importation, exportation, showing or exhibition of movies shall be 
appointed member of the Commission. 
SECTION 7. Compensation. 
The Chairperson shall have the rank of an Undersecretary and shall receive 
salary and allowances based on the current approved standardized government 
compensation. The Members of the Commission shall be entitled to honoraria and 
allowances subject to existing laws, rules and regulations. 
SECTION 8. Powers and Functions. 
The Commission shall have the following functions, powers and duties: 
a) To promulgate and implement rules and: regulations as are necessary or 
proper for the accomplishment of the purposes and objectives of the MTRCC; 
4 


b) To constitute and supervise the Review and Classification Committee 
herein created. The Commission shall determine the number of the members of the 
Committee as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes and objectives of the 
MTRCC, subject to the limitations of Section 9 of thi~ Act; 
c) To promulgate and implement a standard and objective system it deems 
necessary for the review and classification of movies, television programs, publicity 
materials, and advertisements, subject to the provisions of Section 13 of this Act; 
d) To sit and resolve en banc or in division all appeals on the decisions and 
final orders of the review and classification committee and of the hearing and 
adjudication committee; 
e) To grant, issue, deny, suspend or cancel, permits and licenses for the 
distribution, exhibition, and/or television broadcast of all motion pictures, television 
and cable television programs, publicity materials, and advertisements intended for 
public exhibition and distribution in the Philippines; 
f) To conduct inspections, by itself or in cQordination with other competent 
agencies of the government, at any time, of establishments or entities to determine 
compliance with this Act. For this purpose, the agents of the MTRCC shall be 
considered agents of persons in authority; 
g) To dep\ltize representatives from the government, various 
CIVIC 
organizations, and concerned sectors or individuals, including the Local Government 
Units whose main duties shall be to help monitpr compliance with and report 
violations of the pmvisions of this Act, its rules and regulations, and other pertinent 
laws. The Commission may constitute Monitoring Councils as may be appropriate for 
the effective implementation of the purposes and objectives of this Act. The 
Commission may also call on any law enforcement and or any government agency or 
instrumentality for assistance in the implementation and enforcement of its decisions 
and orders; 
h) To levy, assess and collect, periodically adjust and revise, the rates of fees 
and charges for the work of review and classification, for the imposition of fines, and 
for the issuances of licenses and permits granted by the Commission; 
i) Hear and resolve administrative cases against violators of this Act and 
impose administrative sanctions including, but not limited to, the imposition of fines 
and penalties; preventive custody of equipment and, materials used in the exhibition 
andlor copying of motion pictures; suspension, nori-renewal or cancellation of the 
licenses or permits to operate and/or exhibit; suspension of television programs; 
seizure and confiscation of the objectionable material being exhibited or shown 
without approval of the Commission or in violation of this Act; and the closure of 
movie theaters, television stations, cable television networks, establishments or 
entities engaged in the public exhibition of motion pictures, television programs, 
publicity materials and advertisements that violate the provisions of this Act and its 
rules and regulation. For this purpose, the Commission shall have the power to cite in 
contempt persons or entities willfully disregarding its processes and to issue subpoena 
or subpoena duces tecum to compel the attendance- of witnesses and production of 
documents and other effects; 
5 
, 
, 


j) To delete any portion, or disapprove or prohibit the showing or copying, 
exhibition, including television broadcast, sale" 
distribution, importation or 
exportation, of any motion picture, television program, pUblicity material, or 
advertisement, which in the judgment of the Commission, applying contemporary 
Filipino cultural values as standards, is immoral, indecent, obscene, contrary to law, 
public policy, public interest, good customs, and/or religious beliefs, 
or with a 
dangerous tendency to encourage the commission of or cater to crimes, violence, or 
wrong, such as but not limited to: 
k) those which tend to incite subversion, insurrection, rebellion or sedition 
against the State, or otherwise threaten the economi,c and/or political stability of the 
State; 
2) those which tend to undermine the faith and confidence of the people in 
their government and/or the duly constituted authorities; 
3) those which glorify criminals or condone crimes; 
4) those which serve no other purpose but to satisfy the market for violence or 
pornography; 
5) those which tend to abet the traffic in and use of prohibited drugs; 
6) those which are libelous or defamatory to the good name and reputation of 
any person, whether living or dead; and 
7) those which may constitute contempt of court or of any quasi-judicial 
tribunal, or pertain to matter which are sub-judice in nature, 
Provided, that, such deletion or cuts must not be made in the master negative 
of the film and the reviewed copy shall be deposited with the Commission, which 
shall not be returned to the film owner except upon court order; 
I) To disapprove or prohibit the showing or exhibition, sale, lease or 
distribution of motion pictures, television programs, publicity materials, or 
advertisements which deal with the traffic in or uS,e of prohibited drugs, including 
those which pertain to cases pe~ding in Court or quasi judicial bodies or tribunals. 
Provided, that the movie or motion picture thus disapproved or prohibited shall not be 
returned to the owner except upon court order; 
m) To fine, censure, or close movie houses, television stations, cable networks 
or such similar establishments which are found showing or exhibiting motion pictures, 
television programs, publicity materials or advertis~ments without permit from the 
Commission, or previously disapproved or prohibited for showing or exhibition by the 
Commission, or which contain or include any portion cut or deleted or ordered to be 
cut or deleted by the Commission; 
n) To prescribe the internal and operational' procedures for the exercise of its 
powers and functions, the performance of its duties and responsibilities and other 
related matters;' 
0) To cause the prosecution, on behalf of the People of the Philippines, of 
violators of this Act; 
6 


p) To exercise such other powers and functions as may be necessary or 
incidental to the attaimnent of the purposes and objectives of this Act, and to perform 
other related duties and responsibilities as may be directed by the President; 
SECTION 9. Review and Classification Committee. 
There is hereby created a Review and Classification Committee, herein 
referred as the Committee, under the general supervision of the Commission which 
shall review and classify all motion pictures, television programs, publicity materials 
and advertisements intended for general viewing, whether they be for theatrical or 
non-theatrical distribution or television broadcast, and whether imported or produced 
in the Philippines, and in the latter case, whether 'they be for local viewing or for 
export, 
The Committee shall be initially composed of at least thirty (30) members and 
shall be appointed by the Chairperson, upon approval by the Commission, Not less 
than fifty percent (50%) of the total number of members shall come from the motion 
picture, television, cable television and advertising industries to be nominated by their 
legitimate industry associations and organizations, The members of the Committee 
shall be Filipino citizens, at least twenty-one (21) years old, and of good moral 
character. Provided, that, the disqualifications for members of the Commission, as 
provided for in Section 6 hereof, shall also apply to members of the Committee. 
The Chairperson shall manage the schedules of the Committee Members in 
their work of review. The Commission may increase or reduce the number of 
Committee Members as it sees fit. Provided, that, the increase shall not be more than 
ten (10) members within a twelve (12) month period and the total number of members 
shall not exceed sixty (60). 
Each member shall receive a fixed honoraria for actual work undertaken, the 
amount of which shall be determined and fixed by t~e Commission subject to existing 
laws, rules and regulations. 
The members of the Committee shall have a term of one (1) year unless sooner 
removed by the Commission. Provided, that they shall be eligible for appointment for 
a second term. Provided, further, that no member shall serve for more than two (2) 
consecutive terms at a time. 
If any member fails to complete his or her term, the person appointed to fill 
the vacancy shall serve only for the unexpired poJ;1:ion of the term of the member 
whom he or she succeeds unless reappointed for another term. 
SECTION 10. Chief Executive Officer, Powers and Functions. 
The Chairperson shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the MTRCC. He or 
she shall exercise the following powers and functions: 
a) Execute and administer the policies, decisIons, orders, resolutions, and the 
implementing rules and regulations issued by the Commission; 
7 


b) Direct and supervise the operations and internal affairs of the MTRCC; 
c) Establish the internal organization and administrative procedures for the 
approval of the Commission; 
d) Recommend to the Commission the appointment or removal of members of 
the Committee and the appointment, transfer, detail, suspension or dismissal for cause 
of subordinate officials and employees of the MTRCC; 
e) Recommend an annual budget to the Commission for its approval; 
f) Delegate his or her authority, in whole and in part, to other members of the 
Commission, in accordance with the rules and regulations ofthe MTRCC; and, 
g) Perform such other powers and functions as may be authorized by the 
Commission or by law. 
SECTION 11. MTRCC Secretariat. 
The MTRCC secretariat is hereby established composed of a Director for 
Legal and Prosecution Service and a Director for Administrative and Technical 
Services, who shall have the rank and salary equivalent to Director IV and Director II, 
respectively, under the Compensation and Classification Structure of the government. 
The Commission shall determine its organizational structure and staffing pattern 
according to Civil Service laws, rules and regulations. 
SECTION 12. Classification Categories. 
The MTRCC shall classifY all motion pictures, television programs, publicity 
materials, and advertisements intended for general viewing, into categories such as 
"G" or "General Audience" (all ages admitted), "PG" or "Parental Guidance", "R' or 
"Strictly for Adults", "X" or "Not for Public Exhibition", or such other categories as 
the Commission may determine for the public interest, based on contemporary 
Filipino cultural values as standards. 
Provided; that materials thus classified as "X" shall be confiscated and 
deposited with the Commission and shall not be returned to the film owner except 
upon court order. 
Provided, further, that all publicity materials and advertisements, in whatever 
format, shall conform to the "G" classification given by the MTRCC, and which 
classification shall appear clearly and conspicuously 'on the printed publicity material. 
Provided, further, that no person below eighteen (18) years old shall be 
allowed to view, purchase, or rent material with an "R" classification. In case of 
doubt as to the age of the person renting or purchasing material for home viewing, the 
seller or establishment owner shall verify, by .means of any valid form of 
photographic identification containing the date of birth of the bearer, that no 
individual purchasing or renting material for home,viewing is below eighteen (18) 
years of age. It shall not be a defense for the person selling or renting out the material 
that he/she did not know or was not aware of the real age of the minor. Neither shall 
8 


it be a defense that he/she did not know nor had any reason to believe that the material 
was for the use ofthe minor to whom it was sold or l~ased. 
Provided, finally, that in the case of advertisements endorsing, selling or 
promoting a product or service on television, c.able television or movie theaters, such 
advertisements shall confonn to MTRCC's guidelines and standards. The MTRCC 
shall coordinate with appropriate agencies and entities for the effective compliance of 
this provision. 
SECTION 13. Procedures and Decisions for Review and Classification. 
The Chairperson shall designate the members'ofthe review subcommittee. No 
Committee member shall be assigned to sit on a subcommittee to review and classify 
when said member has in any way participated in the making of said motion picture, 
television program, publicity material or advertisement. 
a) 
First Review. -
The material submitted shall be reviewed by a 
subcommittee composed of three (3) Committee. members, who shall elect the 
subcommittee head from among themselves. The decision of the subcommittee on 
first review shall be rendered through a standard and objective classification system, 
by subcommittee members so designated and present within the day of the material's 
review. The decision on the first review shall be final and executory unless the 
producer files an appeal for reconsideration within fiye (5) days from thereof 
b) 
Second Review. - Upon receipt of the motion for reclassification or 
reconsideration, the Chairperson shall, within five (5) working days upon receipt of 
the material under consideration, designate a subcommittee to be composed offive (5) 
committee members, who shall elect the subcommittee head among themselves, to 
conduct a second review of the material. 
Provided, that no member from the 
subcommittee on first review shall be designated as ,member of the subcommittee on 
second review. Provided, further, that the head of the subcommittee on first review 
shall be required to sit within the subcommittee on second review as a non-voting 
consultant. 
The decision of the subcommittee on second review shall be rendered by 
subcommittee members so designated and present 'within the day of the material's 
review. The decision on the second review shall prevail over the decision on first 
review and shall be final, unless the decision is for an "X" classification. The 
producer may file with the Commission an appeal for reconsideration of an "X" 
classification. 
c) Appeal on an "X" Classification - Within five (5) days from receipt of the 
decision for an "X" classification, the producer or applicant may file with the 
Commission an appeal for reconsideration. The Commission shall review, en bane or 
in division, the material within five (5) working days. from receipt of the appeal. 
The decision of the Commission shall be rendered by maj ority of the members 
of the Commission present and actually participated in the review. In no case shall the 
subcommittees or the Commission render a decisiori· without giving the director, and 
the producer, or the producer's representative, an opportunity to present their case 
andlor defend the material. 
9 


d) Review Decisions. -
All decisions of the subcommittees and the 
Commission shall be in writing, and shall state the reasons and justification for the 
classification. A decision shall not, in any manner, imply or suggest specific deletions 
or cuts of scenes, shots, or dialogue for classification or reconsideration to be arrived 
at. Likewise, the Committee members or the Commission shall not, in any manner, 
imply or suggest deletions or re-shooting of scenes for reclassification of the material 
under review. The applicant is allowed to re-edit the material, if he or she so desires, 
in order for him or her to obtain the preferred classification. The voluntary deletions 
shall be noted down in the Pennit to Exhibit to safeguard against illegal insertions. 
e) Appeals ort the Decision of the Commission. - All decisions and final 
orders of the Commission shall be final and executory, which may be appealed to the 
Court of Appeals, by way of a petition for certiorari. 
SECTION 14. Exemptions. 
Motion pictures, television programs, publicity materials, or advertisements 
produced, imprinted or exhibited by the Philippine government and/or its departments 
and agencies, and newsreels shall not be under the jurisdiction of the MTRCC. 
Provided, however, that news broadcasts that tend to adversely affect the security of 
the State or compromise the police and military operations shall be under the 
jurisdiction of the MTRCC. 
SECTION 15. Prohibited Acts. 
a) 
It shall be unlawful for any movie theater, television networks, cable 
television stations and similar establishments engaged in the movie and television 
industry to exhibit motion pictures, television pr9grams, publicity materials and 
advertisements, without the entity first being registered with the MTRCC. 
b) 
It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to distribute or exhibit or 
cause to be distributed or exhibited in any movie theater, television, cable television 
or similar establishments, any motion picture, television program, pUblicity material 
or advertisement that has not been reviewed, classified and approved for distribution 
or exhibition by the MTRCC, or which, although previously classified, are covered by 
permits that have already expired, or cancelled, or have been tampered with. 
c) 
It shall be unlawful to print or cause to be printed on any motion 
picture, television or cable television program, publicity material or advertisement a 
label or notice to the effect that the same has been officially classified by the MTRCC 
when in fact it has not been so classified. 
d) 
It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to deceive the public by 
exhibiting a motion picture other than the one advertised as showing even if the film 
shown has a valid permit. 
e) 
It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to exhibit or cause the 
exhibition in movie theaters, cinemas or similar establishments of any motion picture 
which had already been shown, without the word ,"RE-ISSUE" clearly and boldly 
stamped in the publicity materials of the said motion picture. 
10 


f) 
It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to distribute, exhibit or 
show or cause the distribution, exhibition or showing of any motion picture, television 
program, public materials and advertisements that have been classified as "X" , or to 
insert portions deleted or cut or ordered deleted or cut by the Commission. 
g) 
It shall be unlawful for any for any person or entity to exhibit or cause 
the exhibition of any motion picture, television or cable television program, pUblicity 
material or advertisement below the audience suitability as indicated in the "Permit to 
Exhibit." 
h) It shall be unlawful for any person below eighteen (18) years old to enter, 
misrepresent or make use of any false evidence about his/her age in order to gain 
admission into a movie theater or similar establishment showing a motion picture 
classified by the Commission as "R" or "Strictly for Adults". 
i) It shall be unlawful for any person to misr~present or make use of any false 
evidence about the age of a minor in order to gain admission into a movie theater or 
similar establislnnent showing a motion picture classified by the Commission as not 
suited to the minor's age. 
j) It shall be unlawful for any movie theater, cinema or similar establislnnent 
to allow the admission of any person below the age qualification required by the 
film's classification as indicated in the "Permit to Exhibit." In case of doubt as to the 
age of the person seeking admission, the latter shall be required to present his or her 
residence certificate or other proof of age. It shall' not be a defense for the person 
admitting the minor that he or she did not know or was not aware of the real age of 
the minor seeking admission to the movie theater. 
SECTION 16. Posting or Display of Permit or Label. 
A copy of the "Permit to Exhibit" shall be prominently posted at the ticket 
booth of all movie theaters or similar establishments where the motion picture is 
exhibited. The MTRCC's classification of the motion picture shall be displayed on a 
three (3) feet-high "standee" in the theater lobby. The film owner shall also include in 
all the motion pictures' publicity materials the approyal stamp of the MTRCC and the 
classification given the motion picture by the MTRCC. 
Television and cable 
television networks and stations shall broadcast tht; MTRCC's classification of the 
television program before the program is aired and shall also display the MTRCC 
classification of the program on screen while the program is being aired. 
SECTION 17. Penalties. 
Any person who violates the provisions of this Act and/or the implementing 
rules and regulations issued by the Commission, shall, upon conviction, be punished 
by imprisonment of not less than one year (1) year nor more than six (6) years and a 
fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand (PlOO,OOO.OO) pesos but not exceeding 
Five Hundred Thousand (P500,OOO.OO) pesos. 
If the offender is an alien, the person shall be deported after having paid the 
fine imposed and shall hereafter be refused entry into the country. 
11 


The license to operate the movie theater or television station shall be revoked. 
The motion picture or television program distributor or producer shall also be held 
equally liable and imposed herein the specific penalties for unauthorized exhibition if 
found to carry their consent. 
Should the offense be committed by a juridical person, the chairperson, 
president, general manager, secretary, treasurer, or partner shall be jointly and 
severally liable witb the corporation or partnership. 
SECTION 18. Imported Motion Pictures and Television Programs. 
In the event an imported or foreign motion picture or television program, after 
examination and review by the MTRCC, is decl~red unfit for exhibition in the 
Philippines, the said motion picture or television program shall be returned by the 
importer or distributor thereof to the country of origin or to any other place outside of 
the Philippines within a period of thirty (30) days, .which shall be counted from the 
date of receipt by the importer or distributor oftbe decision of the MTRCC. 
All customs duties and internal revenue taxes paid by the importer or 
distributor for an account of the importation of such. motion picture shall be forfeited 
in favor of the government. 
SECTION 19. Annual Report. 
The Commission shall, within three (3) morths after the end of every fiscal 
year, submit its annual report to the President and to Congress. 
SECTION 20. Appropriations. 
The appropriations of the Movie and Television Review and Classification 
Board under the current General Appropriations Act shall be used by the MTRCC to 
carry out the initial implementation of this Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be 
necessary for its continued operation shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. The amount shall be augmented from the fifty percent (50%) 
income from various fees charges and fines collected by the MTRCC. Provided, that 
the amount shall be deposited as a special account in the National Treasury and 
disbursements therefrom shall be made solely to augment deficiencies in the operating 
expenses of the MTRCC for repair and acquisition of necessary supplies, facilities 
and equipment and for other operational and administrative expenses in accordance 
with existing accounting and budgeting rules and regnlations. 
SECTION 21. Authority to Receive Grants. 
The MTRCC is hereby authorized to negotiate for and receive grants from 
local and international granting institutions to be 'used exclusively for its special 
projects and programs subject to tbe government's rules and regulations. 
12 


SECTION 22. Review and Classification of Optical Media Materials. 
The MTRCC shall continue to discharge the review and classification 
functions for optical media materials, pursuant to Section 27 of Republic Act No. 
9239 (Optical Media Act of2003). 
SECTION 23. Transitory Provisions. 
All the Members of the present MTRCB and its Secretariat employees shall be 
deemed separated from the service, unless they are' re-appointed in accordance with 
this Act. 
The incumbent Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Board Members and 
Secretariat employees shall continue to perform their duties and functions in a hold-
over capacity, and shall receive their corresponding salaries and benefits until such 
time that the new Chairperson and at least majority of the Members of the 
Commission and the Review and Classification Committee shall have been appointed 
and qualified. 
The officials and employees who shall be laid off shall be given first priority, 
on the basis of experience, merit and fitness, in appointments to new positions in the 
MTRCC to which they may qualify under the new,staffing pattern. Provided, that, 
those who shall be given new appointments shall be entitled to all compensation and 
benefits due them under existing laws. Provided, further, that, those who shall be 
separated from the service shall receive all separation pay and benefits due them 
under existing laws. 
The transition period shall not exceed six (6) months from the effectivity of 
this Act. 
SECTION 24. Implementing Rules and Regulations. 
Within ninety (90) days upon approval of this Act, the MTRCC shaH, in 
coordination and consultation with the concerned. agencies and entities, draft the 
implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of this Act. 
The IRR shall be effective fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in at 
least one (1) newspaper of general circulation. 
SECTION 25. Separability Clause. 
If for any reason any provision of thjs Act is declared invalid or 
unconstitutional, the other sections or provisions thereof shall not be affected thereby. 
SECTION 26. Repealing Clause. 
13 


Presidential Decree No. 1986 is hereby repealed. All laws, ordinances, rules, 
and regulations, decrees, executive or administrative orders, and other issuances or 
parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed, or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 27. Effectivity. 
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the 
Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of gen~ral circulation. 
Approved, 
14