NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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" :„iv;(Offtrp of thp £\\: cloip
23 FEB 28 P5 :29
SENATE
S. No. 1940
Introduced by Senator Robinhood Padilla
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING AND EXPANDING THE MANDATE, CAPABILITIES, AND 
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE MOVIE AND TELEVISION REVIEW 
AND CLASSIFICATION BOARD (MTRCB), AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1986
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The State recognizes the role of the film industry as an effective medium to 
uplift aesthetic, historical, cultural, and social values and better understand and 
appreciate the Filipino identity. The backdrop for the issuance of P.D. No. 1986 which 
created the Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) also rests on 
the crucial role of prudent film and television regulation in the fulfillment of this 
objective.
For decades, MTRCB has served to guarantee that Filipino viewers are 
empowered to make informed decisions on the motion pictures available to them. 
Fundamentally, it safeguards children from immoral, indecent, obscene, and other 
audio-visual materials that are injurious to their well-being.
However, almost 40 years since its creation, MTRCB proves to be bereft of the 
opportunity to address the changing demands of our time because of its limiting 
jurisdiction, organizational structure, and operational competence. It also lacks the 
enabling powers to cover potent types of visual media that have proliferated in many 
forms, including online streaming platforms, on-demand streaming services, and even 
video games.


Hence, MTRCB, as the primary quasi-judicial government agency responsible 
for the review and classification of television programs, movies, and publicity 
materials, must have the expressed mandate to effectively and adequately carry out 
its purpose and objectives.
In view of these considerations, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
ROBINHOOD PADILLA
/ Senator


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
of the fe's-tretari*
23 FEB 28 P5 :29
SENATE 
S. No.
Introduced by Senator Robinhood Padilla
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING AND EXPANDING THE MANDATE, CAPABILITIES, AND 
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE MOVIE AND TELEVISION REVIEW 
AND CLASSIFICATION BOARD (MTRCB), AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1986
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Movie and Television 
Review and Classification Board Act of 2023".
Sec. 2. Section 2 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 2. Composition; Qualification; Benefits. — The BOARD 
shall be composed of a Chair[mafi^PERSON, a Vice- 
Chair[maf4PERSON and thirty (30) members, who shall all be 
appointed by the President of the Philippines. The ChairmanPERSON7 
AND the Vice-Chair[ffldft^PERSON[, and the members of the 
BOARD,] shall hold office for a term of [one (1)] THREE (3) yearS, 
WHILE THE BOARD MEMBERS SHALL HOLD OFFICE FOR A 
TERM OF TWO (2) YEARS, unless sooner removed by the President 
[for any cause;}: Provided, that the[y} CHAIRPERSON, VICE­
CHAIRPERSON AND THIRTY (30) MEMBERS OF THE BOARD 
shall be eligible for re-appointment after the expiration of their 
RESPECTIVE terms. If the Chair[fflafiJPERSON, or the Vice-
1


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Chair[fBeR|PERSON or any members of the BOARD fails to complete 
his/HER term, any person appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve 
only for the unexpired portion of the term of the officer whom he/SHE 
succeedsfv]; PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT SUCH SERVICE OF 
THE UNEXPIRED PORTION SHALL NOT BE COUNTED AS A 
TERM; PROVIDED, FINALLY, THAT THE INCUMBENT 
CHAIRPERSON, VICE-CHAIRPERSON, AND MEMBERS OF THE 
BOARD SHALL CONTINUE TO PERFORM THEIR RESPECTIVE 
DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS UNTIL THEIR SUCCESSORS HAVE 
BEEN APPOINTED AND ASSUMED OFFICE.
No person shall be appointed to the BOARD, unless he/SHE is a 
natural-born citizen of the Philippines, not less than twenty-one (21) 
years of age, and of good moral character and standing in the 
community[t]: Provided, that in the selection of the members of the 
BOARD, due consideration shall be given to such qualifications as 
wouid produce a multi-sectoral combination of expertise in the various 
aspects of [motion picture] MOVIES and television industries; 
Provided further, That at least five (5) members of the BOARD shall 
be members of the Philippine Bar[T]; Provided, finaiiy, that at least 
(15) members of the BOARD, OTHER THAN THE CHAIRPERSON 
AND THE VICE-CHAIRPERSON, SHALL come from the movie and 
television industr[y]IES [te—be] PREFERABLY nominated by 
legitimate associations representing the various sectors of 
industr[y]IES.
[The Chairman, the Vice-€-hairmon and other members of the
BOARD-shall bo entitled to transportation, reprosontation and other 
allowances which shali in no case exceed FIVE THOUSAND PESOS
(P5,000.00) per month.]
THE CHAIRPERSON SHALL HAVE THE RANK, SALARY, 
RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, AND BENEFITS EQUIVALENT TO A 
DEPARTMENT UNDERSECRETARY.


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THE VICE-CHAIRPERSON SHALL HAVE THE RANK, 
SALARY, RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, AND BENEFITS, EQUIVALENT 
TO A DEPARTMENT ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
THE THIRTY (30) MEMBERS OF THE BOARD SHALL HAVE 
ALLOWANCES EQUIVALENT TO A DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTOR V.
A BOARD MEMBER SHALL RECEIVE REASONABLE 
HONORARIUM FOR EACH MOVIE, TRAILER, TELEVISION 
SHOW, TV PLUG, OR PUBLICITY MATERIAL ACTUALLY 
REVIEWED OR CLASSIFIED, TO BE DETERMINED BY THE 
BOARD SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT.
Sec. 3. Section 3 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 3. Powers and Functions. — The Board shall have the 
following functions, powers and duties:
a) [To] Promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary or 
proper for the implementation of this Act, and the accomplishment 
of its purposes and objectives, including guidelines and standards 
for production, advertising, and titles. Any such rules and 
regulations shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following their 
publication in newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines;
b) [To] Screen, review and examine all [motion pictures] MOVIES 
as herein defined, television programs, [including] publicity 
materials such as advertisements, trailers and stills, whether such 
[motion pictures] MOVIES, TELEVISION PROGRAMS and 
publicity materials be for theatrical or non-theatrical distribution, 
for television broadcast or for general viewing, AND/OR 
STREAMED THROUGH ONLINE PLATFORMS AND ON- 
DEMAND STREAMING SERVICES AND ANY OTHER 
TECHNOLOGY OF SIMILAR NATURE imported or produced in 
the Philippines, and in the latter case, whether they be for local 
viewing or for export;


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c) [Te] Approve or disapprove, [delete objectionable portions from] 
and/or prohibit the importation, exportation, production, copying, 
distribution, sale, lease, exhibition and/or television broadcast of 
MOVIES [the motion pictures], television programs and publicity 
materials subject of the preceding paragraph, which, in the 
judgment of the BOARD, applying contemporary Filipino cultural 
values as standard, are objectionable for being immoral, indecent, 
contrary to law and/or good customs, injurious to the prestige of 
the Republic of the Philippines or its people, or with a dangerous 
tendency to encourage the commission of violence or of a wrong 
or crime, OR FOR THE PROTECTION OF NATIONAL 
SECURITY, PUBLIC ORDER, OR PUBLIC HEALTH, such as but 
not limited to:
i) 
Those which tend to incite subversion, insurrection, 
rebellion or sedition against the State, or otherwise threaten 
the economic and/or political stability of the State;
ii) 
Those which tend to undermine the faith and confidence of 
the people in their government and/or the duly constituted 
authorities;
iii) 
Those which glorify criminals or condone crimes;
iv) 
Those which serve no other purpose but to satisfy the 
market for violence or pornography;
v) 
Those which tend to abet the traffic in and use of prohibited 
drugs;
vi) 
Those which are libelous or defamatory to the good name 
and reputation of any person, whether living or dead;
vii) 
Those which may constitute contempt of court or of any 
quasi-judicial tribunal, or pertain to matters which are sub- 
judice in nature; and
VIII) THOSE WHICH EXPRESS NATIONAL, RACIAL OR 
RELIGIOUS HATRED THAT CONSTITUTES 
INCITEMENT TO DISCRIMINATION, HOSTILITY,


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VIOLENCE, OR STEREOTYPING OR PREJUDICE 
AGAINST THE FILIPINO PEOPLE, INDIGENOUS 
PEOPLE, OR ANY ETHNIC GROUP WITHIN OR 
OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY.
{■Providcdrho'^QWQr, thot deletions or- cuts must not be made on
the master negative-ef-the films, and that such-master negative
shall be deposited with the Film Archives of the Philippines and
shall be released for export purposes to the film owner only upon
shewing-of-the proper export permit; Provided^ finally, That the
filfn-owner-shaH-exccuto a sworn undertaking that such moster
negative-shall be exclusively-used for export-purposes and not fef
local viewing;]
d) [To] Supervise, regulate, and grant, deny or cancel, permits for 
the importation, exportation, production, copying, distribution, 
sale, lease, exhibition, [and/or] television broadcast, AND/OR 
STREAMING THROUGH ONLINE PLATFORMS AND 
STREAMING SERVICES of all MOVIES [motion pictures], 
television programs and publicity materials, to the end and that no 
such pictures, programs, and materials as are determined by the 
BOARD to be objectionable in accordance with paragraph (c) 
hereof shall be imported, exported, produced, copied, reproduced, 
distributed, sold, leased, exhibited and/or broadcast by television;
e) [To] Classify MOVIES [motion pictures], television programs, and 
similar shows into categories such as "G" or "For General 
Patronage" (all ages admitted), "P" or "Parental Guidance 
Suggested", "R" or "Restricted" (for adults only), "X" or "Not for 
Public Viewing", or such other categories as the BOARD may 
determine for the public interest;
f) [Te] Close movie houses and other similar establishments engaged 
in the public exhibition of MOVIES [motion pictures] and


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television programs which violate the provisions of this Act and the 
rules and regulations promulgated by the BOARD pursuant hereto;
g) [To] Levy, assess and collect, and periodically adjust and revise 
the rates of, fees and charges for the work of review and 
examination and for the issuance of the licenses and permits which 
the BOARD is authorized to grant in the exercise of its powers and 
functions and in the performance of its duties and responsibilities;
h) [To] Deputize representatives from the government and from the 
various associations in the movie industry, whose main duties shall 
be to help ensure compliance with ail laws relative to the 
importation, exportation, copying, distribution, sale, lease, 
exhibition, [and/or] television broadcast, AND/OR STREAMING 
THROUGH ONLINE PLATFORMS AND STREAMING 
SERVICES of MOVIES [motion pictures], television programs, 
advertisements and publicity materials. For this purpose, the 
BOARD may constitute such Regulatory Council or Councils 
composed of representatives from the government and the movie 
and television industry as may be appropriate to implement the 
purposes and objectives of this Act. The BOARD may also call on 
any law enforcement agency for assistance in the implementation 
and enforcement of its decisions, orders or awards;
0 Cause the prosecution, on behalf of the People of the 
Philippines, of violators of this Act, of anti-trust, obscenity, 
censorship and other laws pertinent to the movie and television 
industry;
J) EXERCISE QUASI-JUDICIAL FUNCTION TO HEAR AND 
DECIDE CASES FOR VIOLATION 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 AND/OR COPYING OF MOVIES; 
SUSPENSION, NON-RENEWAL OR CANCELLATION OF THE


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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 BOARD OR IN VIOLATION OF THIS ACT; THE CLOSURE 
OF MOVIE THEATERS, TELEVISION STATIONS, CABLE 
TELEVISION NETWORKS, ESTABLISHMENTS OR ENTITIES 
ENGAGED IN THE PUBLIC EXHIBITION OF MOVIES, 
TELEVISION PROGRAMS AND PUBLICITY MATERIALS; 
AND, THE BLOCKING OR BANNING OF ONLINE 
PLATFORMS AND ON-DEMAND STREAMING PLATFORMS 
THAT VIOLATE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT AND ITS 
RULES AND REGULATIONS. FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE 
BOARD SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO CITE IN CONTEMPT 
PERSONS OR ENTITIES WILLFULLY DISREGARDING ITS 
PROCESS, TO ISSUE SUMMONS, AND SUBPOENA OR 
SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM JO COMPEL THE ATTENDANCE 
OF WITNESSES AND PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS AND 
OTHER EFFECTS;
[j] K) ["F0] Prescribe the internal and operational procedures for the 
exercise of its powers and functions as well as the performance of 
its duties and responsibilities, including the creation and vesting of 
authority upon sub-committees of the BOARD for the work of 
review and other related matters;
L) ADOPT FROM ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE BOARD TO BE 
INCLUDED IN THE GENERAL APPROPRIATION ACT OR 
SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET;
M) 
RECOMMEND THE ORGANIZATIONAL AND 
ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURES AND STAFFING PATTERN 
OF THE BOARD AND TO ESTABLISH, FIX, REVIEW, REVISE 
AND APPROPRIATE COMPENSATION PACKAGE FOR THE


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OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE BOARD, IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT, 
SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT;
[k]N) [Te] Exercise such other powers and functions as may be 
necessary or incidental to the attainment of the purposes and 
objectives of this Act, and to perform such other related duties and 
responsibilities as may be directed by the President of the 
Philippines.
Sec. 4. Section 4 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"Section 4. Decision. — The decision of the BOARD either 
approving or disapproving for exhibition in the Philippines a 
[motion picture] MOVIE, television program, still and other 
pictorial advertisement submitted to it for examination and review 
must be rendered within a period of ten (10) days which shall be 
counted from the date of receipt by the BOARD of an application 
for the purpose, together with [motion picture] MOVIE, 
television program, still or other pictorial advertisement to be 
reviewed.
For each review session, the Chair[fnaft]PERSON of the 
BOARD shall designate a sub-committee composed of at least three 
(3) BOARD Members to undertake the work of review. Any 
disapproval or deletion must be approved by a majority of the sub­
committee so designated. After receipt of the written decision of 
the sub-committee. A motion for reconsideration in writing may be 
made, upon which the Chair[maft]PERSON of the BOARD shall 
designate a sub-committee of five (5) MEMBERS OF THE BOARD 
[members] to undertake a second review session, whose decision 
on behalf of the board shall be rendered through a majority of the 
sub-committee members so designated and present at the second 
review session. This second review session shall be presided over


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by the Chair[fnaft]PERSON, or Vice-Chair[fT«ft]PERSON, or by a 
member designated by the Chair[fnaft]PERSON. The decision of 
the BOARD in the second review session shall be rendered within 
five (5) days from the date of receipt of the motion for 
reconsideration.
Every decision of the BOARD disapproving a MOVIE 
[motion picture], television program or publicity material for 
exhibition in the Philippines must be in writing, and shall state the 
reasons or grounds for such disapproval. No [film or motion 
picture] MOVIE intended for exhibition at movie houses or 
theaters or on television OR ON ONLINE STREAMING 
PLATFORMS AND ON DEMAND STREAMING SERVICES, 
shall be disapproved by reason of its topic, theme or subject 
matter, but upon the merits of each picture or program considered 
in its entirety.
The [second decision--of-the Board] DECISION OF THE 
BOARD IN THE SECOND REVIEW SESSION shall be final, 
with the exception of a decision disapproving or prohibiting a 
MOVIE [fflotion-pieture] or teievision program in its entirety 
which shall be appealable to the President of the Philippines, who 
may him/HERself decide the appeal, or be assisted either by an 
ad hoc committee he/SHE may create or by the Appeals 
Committee herein created.
An Appeals Committee in the Office of the President of the 
Philippines is hereby created composed of a Chair[maft]PERSON 
and four (4) members to be appointed by the President of the 
Philippines, which shall submit its recommendation to the 
President. The Office of the [Presidenttal Assistance] DEPUTY 
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY for Legal Affairs shall serve as the 
Secretariat of the Appeals Committee.
The decision of the President of the Philippines on any 
appealed matter shall be final."


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Sec. 5. Section 5 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"Section 5. Executive Officer. — The Chair[maft] PERSON of the 
BOARD shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the BOARD. He/SHE 
shall exercise the following functions, powers and duties:
XXX
The Chief Executive Officer shall be assisted by an Executive 
Director who shall [be appointed by the President of the 
Philippines. The Executive Director shall] hold office for a term of 
[one (1) year] THREE (3) YEARS, unless sooner removed by the 
President of the Philippines for any causeEt]; Provided, that any 
appointee shall be eligible for IMMEDIATE re-appointment [after 
the expiratiem-of hig-term].
[Unlcss-otherwise provided by low, the Chief Executive 
Offieepshall-receivc on onnuol salary ofSEVENTYTWO-THOUSAND
PESOS (P72,000.00) and the Executive-Direetor shall-rcceive-ae
annual salary of SIXTY THQt9SAN-D PESOS (P60,000.00).]
UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY LAW, THE 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL HAVE THE RANK, SALARY, 
RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, AND BENEFITS EQUIVALENT TO AN 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IV.
Sec. 6. Section 6 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"Section 6. Examination and Review. — Except members of the 
BOARD and persons specifically authorized by the BOARD, [and 
two representatives each of the distributeiHaftd/or producer and
exhibitor of the-motion--picture, television program or publicity
material under-examination and review,] no person shall be 
allowed inside the [screening] REVIEW room during the 
examination and review of said MOVIE [motion picture], 
television program or publicity material. Before each review 
session, the distributor or producer shall submit to the BOARD a 
sworn statement declaring the exact number of prints made for
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the picture or material to be examined or reviewed, AND SUCH 
OTHER INFORMATION AS THE BOARD MAY REQUIRE.
Sec. 7. Section 7 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"Section 7. [Unauthorized showing or exhibition] PROHIBITED 
ACTS. — THE FOLLOWING SHALL BE PROHIBITED UNDER 
THIS ACT:
A) [ft 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, ONLINE STREAMING PLATFORMS 
AND ON-DEMAND STREAMING SERVICES, any MOVIE 
[motion-picture], television program, publicity material, 
[including trailers, ontl-5till5-for-lobby"di5play5 in-eonncction
with motion pictures, not duly authorized by the owner or-his
assignee and passed by the BOARD; or-to print or-eause to -be
printed on any motion picture to be-exhibited in any theater
or public place or by-television-a-label-OHioticc showing the
same to have been-ofFtdally-by the-BQARD-when the same
has not been previously authorized, except motion pictures,
television progras or publicity material imprinted or exhibited
by the Philippine-Government and/or its deportments and
agencies, and newsreels] OR ADVERTISEMENT WHICH, 
IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE BOARD APPLYING 
CONTEMPORARY FILIPINO CULTURAL VALUES AS 
STANDARD, IS OBJECTIONABLE FOR BEING 
IMMORAL, INDECENT, CONTRARY TO LAW, PUBLIC 
POLICY OR GOOD CUSTOMS, OR WITH DANGEROUS 
TENDENCY TO ENCOURAGE THE COMMISSION OF 
VIOLENCE, OR OF A WRONG, OR CRIME, SUCH AS BUT 
NOT LIMITED TO: THOSE WHICH GLORIFY 
CRIMINALS OR CONDONE CRIMES; THOSE WHICH 
SERVE NO OTHER PURPOSE BUT TO SATISFY THE
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MARKET FOR VIOLENCE OR PORNOGRAPHY; THOSE 
WHICH TEND TO ABET THE TRAFFIC IN AND USE OF 
PROHIBITED DRUGS; THOSE WHICH ARE LIBELOUS 
OR DEFAMATORY TO THE GOOD NAME AND 
REPUTATION OF ANY PERSON, WHETHER LIVING OR 
DEAD; OR THOSE WHICH MAY CONSTITUTE 
CONTEMPT OF COURT OR OF ANY QUASI-JUDICIAL 
TRIBUNAL, OR PERTAIN TO MATTERS SUB-JUDICE IN 
NATURE, OR IN VIOLATION OF SECTIOM 39(c) OF 
THIS ACT;
B) 
FOR ANY MOVIE THEATER, TELEVISION NETWORKS, 
CABLE TELEVISION STATIONS, ONLINE STREAMING 
PLATFORMS AND ON-DEMAND STREAMING 
SERVICES, AND OTHER PERSONS OR ENTITIES 
ENGAGED IN THE MOVIE, TELEVISION AND 
ADVERTISING INDUSTRY TO EXHIBIT MOVIES, 
TELEVISION PROGRAMS, PUBLICITY MATERIALS AND 
ADVERTISEMENTS, WITHOUT THE ENTITY FIRST 
BEING REGISTERED WITH THE BOARD;
C) 
FOR ANY PERSON OR ENTITY TO DISTRIBUTE OR 
EXHIBIT OR CAUSE TO BE DISTRIBUTED OR 
EXHIBITED IN ANY MOVIE THEATER, TELEVISION, 
CABLE TELEVISION, ONLINE STREAMING 
PLATFORMS AND ON-DEMAND STREAMING 
SERVICES, OR SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENTS, ANY 
MOVIES, TELEVISION PROGRAM, PUBLICITY 
MATERIAL OR ADVERTISEMENT THAT HAS NOT BEEN 
OR DIFFERENT FROM THAT AS REVIEWED, 
CLASSIFIED AND APPROVED FOR DISTRIBUTION OR 
EXHIBITION BY THE BOARD, OR WHICH, ALTHOUGH 
PREVIOUSLY CLASSIFIED, ARE COVERED BY PERMITS
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THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPIRED, OR CANCELED, OR 
HAVE BEEN TAMPERED WITH;
D) 
TO PRINT OR CAUSE TO BE PRINTED ON ANY MOVIE, 
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 BOARD WHEN IN 
FACT IT HAS NOT BEEN SO CLASSIFIED;
E) 
FOR ANY PERSON OR ENTITY TO DECEIVE THE 
PUBLIC BY EXHIBITING A MOVIE OTHER THAN THE 
ONE ADVERTISED AS SHOWING EVEN IF THE FILM 
SHOWN HAS A VALID PERMIT;
F) 
FOR ANY PERSON OR ENTITY TO EXHIBIT OR CAUSE 
THE EXHIBITION IN MOVIE THEATERS, CINEMAS, OR 
SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENTS, OF ANY MOVIE WHICH 
HAD ALREADY BEEN SHOWN, WITHOUT THE WORD 
"RE-ISSUE" CLEARLY AND BOLDLY STAMPED IN THE 
PUBLICITY MATERIALS OF THE SAID MOVIE;
G) 
FOR ANY PERSON OR ENTITY TO DISTRIBUTE, 
EXHIBIT OR SHOW OR CAUSE THE DISTRIBUTION, 
EXHIBITION, OR SHOWING OF ANY MOVIE, 
TELEVISION PROGRAM, PUBLICITY MATERIAL AND 
ADVERTISEMENT THAT HAVE BEEN DISAPPROVED 
FOR PUBLIC EXHIBITION BY THE BOARD;
H) 
FOR ANY PERSON OR ENTITY TO EXHIBIT OR CAUSE 
THE EXHIBITION OF ANY MOVIE, TELEVISION OR 
CABLE TELEVISION PROGRAM, PUBLICITY MATERIAL 
OR ADVERTISEMENT BELOW THE AUDIENCE 
SUITABILITY AS INDICATED IN THE "PERMIT TO 
EXHIBIT";
I) 
FOR ANY PERSON TO MISREPRESENT OR MAKE USE 
OF ANY FALSE EVIDENCE ABOUT THE AGE OF A MINOR
13


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IN ORDER TO GAIN ADMISSION INTO A MOVIE 
THEATER OR SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENT SHOWING A 
MOVIE CLASSIFIED BY THE BOARD AS NOT SUITED TO 
THE MINOR S AGE;
J) FOR ANY MOVIE THEATER, CINEMA OR SIMILAR 
ESTABLISHMENT 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/HER 
RESIDENCE CERTIFICATE OR OTHER PROOF OF AGE. 
IT SHALL NOT BE A DEFENSE FOR THE PERSON 
ADMITTING THE MINOR THAT HE/SHE DID NOT 
KNOW OR WAS NOT AWARE OF THE REAL AGE OF THE 
MINOR SEEKING ADMISSION TO THE MOVIE 
THEATER."
Sec. 8. Section 8 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"Section 8. Posting or Display of [Certificate—or—bated]
THEATRICAL PERMIT TO EXHIBIT OR CERTIFICATE OF 
REGISTRATION. — The MOVIE [motion picture] exhibitors shall 
post and/or display the [certificate—or label- of approval] 
THEATRICAL PERMIT TO EXHIBIT of the MOVIE [motion 
picture] by the BOARD, and shall post or display, or cause to be 
posted or displayed, the said THEATRICAL PERMIT TO EXHIBIT 
OR CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION at conspicuous places 
near the entrances to theaters or places of exhibition, AND AT THE 
BEGINNING OF THE MOVIE, TELEVISION PROGRAM OR 
OTHER PUBLICITY MATERIALS IN THE CASE OF ON 
DEMAND ONLINE STREAMING SERVICES, and shall include in 
all their cinema advertisements announcements stating the
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classification RATING, [as provided in Section 3 (e) hereof,] of the 
MOVIE [motion picture] being exhibited or advertised."
Sec. 9. Section 9 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
[Section D- Admission to Moviehouscs or Theaters;—It shall be
unlawful for any person below eighteen years of oge- to enter, to
misrepresent or make-use of-any false evidence about his or her
age in order to gain admission into, a movie house or theater
showing a motion picture classified as "Restricted" or "For Adults
Only'^-by-the BOARD. It shall bo also unlawful for any employee of
Q movie house or thootcr to sell to, or receive from, another person
known—te-thc former to be below eighteen years of ago any
admission- ticket to the exhibition of motion pictures classified os
"Restricted-on-"For Adults Only". In cose of doubt os to the ago of
the person seeking admission, the latter shall bo required to exhibit
his or-her-residence certificate or other proof of ager]
SEC. 9. EXEMPTION. - MOVIES, 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 BOARD.
Sec. 10. Section 10 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"Section 10. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act, the 
following terms shall mean:
1) [Motion Picture] MOVIE — A series of pictures [projected 
in a screen] PRESENTED 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
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or recorded for instant projection, WHETHER STREAMED 
THROUGH ONLINE PLATFORMS AND ON-DEMAND 
STREAMING SERVICES AND ANY TECHNOLOGY OF 
SIMILAR NATURE WHETHER CURRENTLY EXISTING 
OR TO BE DEVELOPED IN THE FUTURE. For the purpose 
of this Act, the material in which the [motion picture] 
MOVIE is contained, preserved, or recorded, forms an 
integral part of the [motion picture] MOVIE subject of this 
Act.
2) ON DEMAND ONLINE STREAMING SERVICES - 
STREAMING MEDIA SERVICES THAT ARE OFFERED 
DIRECTLY TO AUDIENCES THROUGH THE INTERNET 
AND/OR SUBSCRIPTIONS. THE VIEWERS OR USERS 
WILL NEED AN INTERNET CONNECTION TO STREAM 
OR DOWNLOAD VIDEO CONTENT WHICH MAY BE 
VIEWED OFFLINE.
3) Television Broadcast — Public showing by transmitting 
sound or images by television or similar equipment, 
including cable television, and other limited audience 
distribution.
4) General Viewing — Making MOVIES [motion pictures] 
available to the general public for its viewing through 
convenient film packs or similar materials sold, leased, or 
lent in commercial outlets, public lending clubs, and similar 
organizations.
5) Non- Theatrical Distribution —
a) Public showing of long and short MOVIES [motion 
pictures] through the use of mobile projection 
equipment not imposing admission fee.
b) Showing long or short MOVIES [motion pictures] to 
organizations, societies, clubs, groups etc. Such as 
films for children, educational, documentary, cultural.
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scientific, newsreel, industrial, sales, public relations, 
and instructional films.
6) Theatrical Distribution — Public showing and/or exhibition 
in any cinema or theater or in any other place of MOVIES 
[motion pictures] imposing admission fees on persons for 
entertainment, education, information and advertising.
7) An Adult— is any person eighteen (18) years of age or over.
8) Review Session — shall mean the review and examination 
of MOVIES [motion pictures], television programs and 
similar shows, or publicity materials, by the BOARD.
Sec. 11. Section 11 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"Section 11. Penalty. — Any person who violates the provisions of 
this [Decree] ACT and/or the implementing rules and regulations 
issued by the BOARD, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a 
mandatory penalty of three (3) months and one day to one (1) 
year imprisonment [ptus] OR a fine of not less than fifty thousand 
pesos but not more than one [hundred thousand] MILLION 
pesos OR BOTH. The penalty shall apply whether the person shall 
have committed the violation either as principal, accomplice or 
accessory. [If the offender is an alien,-he shall be deported 
immediately]t The license to operate the movie house, theater, or 
television station shall also be revoked. Should the offense be 
committed by a juridical person, the chairman, the president, 
secretary, treasurer, or the partner responsible therefor, shall be 
the persons penalized."
Sec. 12. Section 12 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows; 
"Section 12. Banning of MOVIES [Motion Pictures] and Television 
Programs. — In the event a MOVIE [motion picture] or television 
program, after examination and review by the BOARD, is declared 
unfit for exhibition in the Philippines, the said MOVIE [motion 
picture] or television program shall be returned by the importer or 
distributor thereof to the country of origin or to any other place
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outside of the Philippines within a period of thirty (30) days, which
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shall be counted from the date of receipt by the importer or
3 
distributor of the decision of the BOARD banning the MOVIE
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[motion picture] or television program for exhibition in the
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Philippines, [and oil customs-duties and internal revenue taxes paid
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by the importer or distributor on account of the importation to and
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entry into-the Philippines-of-the said motion picture-or tclcvisioft
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program shall be automaticolly refunded by the government office
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concerned to the said importeHjr distributor. A copy of the dccisioft
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of the BOARD banning metien-picture or television program for
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exhibition in the Philippines shall bo furnished to the CommiGGioner
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of Internal-Revenue and to the Collector of Customs of the port-ef
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entry of the said motion picture or-telcvision program, and the
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same shall constitute a sufficient authority to the Commissioner ef
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Internal Revenue and the CoHeeter of Customs concerned to refund
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the internal revenue taxes and customs duties poid by the importer
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or distributor on occeunt of the importation of the banned motieft
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picture or television program.]
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Sec. 13. Section 13 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows:
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"Section 13. Inspection. — In addition to its powers vested by law,
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and for the effective enforcement of the provisions of this act, the
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BOARD or its duly authorized representatives shall have the power
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to Inspect all public exhibitions of any [motion picture] MOVIES
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or publicity material in movie houses, theaters and other public
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establishments, and in any case, upon discovery of any [moti&n
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picture] MOVIES or publicity material which, although previously
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approved by the BOARD, has been tampered with to introduce any
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unapproved matter, to immediately seize the article containing or
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incorporating or incorporating such unapproved matter and to
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cause the prosecution of the person(s) responsible for the violating
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of this Act, Presidential Decree No. 49 and/or the Revised Penal
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Code, as amended.
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Upon conviction of the violator(s), the materials seized as 
well as the other proceeds or instruments of the crime shall 
disposed of in accordance with the Revised Penal Code, as 
amended."
Sec. 14. Section 14 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"[Section 14. Manila film Center.—Motion pictures imported
or produced by the management of the-Monila Film Center whether
singly or in joint venture with Filipino-or foreign citizcn57
corporotions or groups shaH-net be subject to the jurisdiction,-
supervision €nd control of the BOARD; Provided, thot, such motion
pictures ore exhibited or shown only in the Film Center; Provided7
further, that such motion pictures shall be subject to review and
Gxomination by the BOARD in-case-they ore distributed for general
viewing elsewhere in the Philippines.]
Sec. 14. EXEMPTION FROM TAX, LEGAL PROCESS AND 
LIEN. - ALL LAWS TO THE CONTRARY 
NOTWITHSTANDING, THE BOARD AND ALL ITS ASSETS 
AND PROPERTIES, ALL FEES AND CHARGES COLLECTED 
AND ALL ACCRUALS THERETO AND INCOME OR 
INVESTMENT EARNINGS THEREFROM, AS WELL AS ALL 
SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, PAPERS OR DOCUMENTS SHALL 
BE EXEMPT FROM ANY TAX, ASSESSMENT, FEE, CHARGE,
OR CUSTOMS OR IMPORT DUTY, AND SHALL NOT BE 
LIABLE TO ATTACHMENTS, GARNISHMENTS, LEVY OR 
SEIZURE BY OR UNDER ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE 
PROCESS WHATSOEVER. NO TAX MEASURE OF WHATEVER 
NATURE ENACTED SHALL APPLY TO THE BOARD, UNLESS 
IT EXPRESSLY REVOKES THE TAX EXEMPTION HEREIN 
GRANTED. ANY TAX ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE BOARD 
SHALL BE NULL AND VOID."
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Sec. 15. Section 15 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"[Section-15. Abolition of the Board of Review for Motion Pictures
and Television:----- The Board of Review for Motion Pictures and
Television (BRMPT) created under Republic Act No. 3060, as 
amended, is hereby obolished, and its powers and functions are
hereby transferred to the BOARD. Such transfer shall include the
corresponding-balances of appropriations, records, equipment/
properties, end such personnel as may be necessoryT-Provided, that
the BOARD shall effect the transfer herein provided in a manner
that will ensure the lco5t disruption of operationsr]
[All personnel affected by the abolition shall bo deemed separated
from the service, unless re appointed to appropriate positions in the
BOARD. Any affected officer or employee not re appointed, or who
refuses his re appointment, shall bo paid the money value of his
accumulated-vacation ond sick loaves and such retirement benefits
as may bo due him under existing lows. Any person not qualified for 
retirement benefits shall- be paid a fraction of more then six months
being considered one whole year-payable in lump sum based on the
highest monthly salary received from the savings ond salary lopses
in the BRMPTr]
[The incumbent Chairman, Vico Chairman- and members, ond
personnel of the BRMPT shall continue to perform their duties and 
functions in o hold over capacity, until the-new Chairman ond at
least five members of the BOARD shall have boon-appointed and
quolifiedr]
SEC. 15. REORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD. — WITHIN ONE 
YEAR FROM THE EFFECTIVITY OF THIS ACT, THE BOARD 
SHALL REORGANIZE ITS STAFFING PATTERN AND 
PERSONNEL AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR EFFICIENT 
ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATION; PROVIDED, THAT 
SUCH REORGANIZATION SHALL BE CARRIED OUT IN A 
MANNER THAT WILL ENSURE THE LEAST DISRUPTION OF
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OPERATIONS. ALL PERSONNEL AFFECTED BY THE 
REORGANIZATION SHALL BE DEEMED SEPARATED FROM 
THE SERVICE, UNLESS A NEW APPOINTMENT IS ISSUED BY 
THE BOARD.
INCUMBENT PERSONNEL OF THE BOARD SHALL 
CONTINUE TO HOLD OFFICE UNTIL APPROVAL OF THE NEW 
STAFFING PATTERN AND NEW APPOINTMENTS ARE 
ISSUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ACT. THE INCUMBENT 
PERSONNEL SHALL BE ABSORBED, RETAINED, AND 
APPOINTED TO NEW POSITIONS IN THE BOARD TO WHICH 
THEY MAY QUALIFY UNDER THE NEW STAFFING PATTERN 
WITHOUT LOSS OF SENIORITY OR RANK OR DECREASE IN 
EMOLUMENTS: 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, ANY 
AFFECTED OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE NOT RE-APPOINTED, OR 
WHO REFUSES HIS RE-APPOINTMENT, OR WHO DESIRES 
TO BE SEPARATED AS A RESULT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION 
OF THIS ACT SHALL BE PAID IN LUMP SUM THE MONEY 
VALUE OF HIS ACCUMULATED VACATION AND SICK LEAVES 
AND SUCH SEPARATION BENEFITS COMPUTED AT ONE AND 
A HALF MONTH SALARY FOR EVERY YEAR OF SERVICE; 
PROVIDED, FINALLY, THAT THOSE AFFECTED PERSONNEL 
WHO HAVE RENDERED SERVICE TO THE BOARD FOR THE 
LAST FIVE (5) YEARS SHALL BE ENTITLED TO SEPARATION 
PAY OF THREE (3) MONTHS SALARY FOR EVERY YEAR OF 
SERVICE AND ALL OTHER BENEFITS ACCRUING TO THEM 
UNDER EXISTING LAWS AT THE TIME OF THEIR 
SEPARATION."
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Sec. 16. Section 19 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section. 19. Annual Report. — The BOARD shall, within three (3) 
months after the end of every fiscal year, submit its annual report 
to the President OF THE PHILIPPINES. The annual report shall 
include, among others, a statement of the BOARD'S 
accomplishments together with its plans and recommendations to 
improve and develop its operations and the supervision and 
regulation of the movie and television industry.
Sec. 17. Section 20 of P.D. No. 1986 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"Section. 20. [Sinking Fund] SPECIAL REVOLVING FUND. - 
Notwithstanding any provision of law, rule or regulation, executive 
or administrative order to the contrary, there is hereby established 
a [Sinking Fund] SPECIAL REVOLVING Fund, to be 
MAINTAINED AND administered at all times by the BOARD, AND 
WITHOUT NEED OF REMITTANCE TO THE NATIONAL 
TREASURY BUT SUBJECT TO EXISTING GOVERNMENT 
AUDITING RULES AND REGULATIONS, DERIVED FROM 
ANY AND [consisting of] all such fees,[and] charges, 
IMPOSITIONS AND/OR PENALTIES levied, assessed and 
collected by the BOARD shall be at the immediate disposal of the 
BOARD to be used [exclusively] for the MAINTENANCE, 
operational, [and] administrative expenses of the BOARD, and for 
the acquisition of necessary PROPERTIES, facilities, supplies and 
equipment. THE MTRCB SHALL SUBMIT, EITHER IN 
PRINTED FORM OR BY WAY OF ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT, 
TO THE DBM, COPY FURNISHED THE HOUSE COMMITTEE 
ON APPROPRIATIONS AND THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON 
FINANCE SEPARATE QUARTERLY REPORTS ON INCOME 
OF, AND EXPENDITURE FROM, THIS FUND. IN CASE OF 
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SAID REQUIREMENT, ANY 
DISBURSEMENT IN THE SUBSEQUENT QUARTERS SHALL
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BE VOID, EXCEPT UPON CERTIFICATION BY THE DBM
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THAT SAID REPORT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED."
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Sec. 18. Separability Clause. — If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
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unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall
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remain in force and effect.
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Sec. 19. Repealing Clause. — Any provision, ordinances, rules and regulations,
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laws, decrees, executive or administrative orders, and other issuances or part thereof,
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which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified
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accordingly.
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Sec. 20. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
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following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general
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circulation.
Approved,
23