Movie and Television Review and Classification Board
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (; abbreviated as MTRCB) is a Philippine government agency under the Office of the President of the Philippines that is responsible for the classification and review of television programs, motion pictures and home videos. Unlike other organizations worldwide (such as the BBFC), the Board does not rate video games. Thus, the ESRB system used in the United States is the "de facto" rating system used in the Philippines, although there have been attempts at formulating an independent local rating system. Certain video game vendors ask for  a valid ID or any other verification to be able to buy M- and AO-rated games. The Board also does not rate literature.. The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board also serves as a "de facto" censorship body. History. In early 1994, MTRCB decided to censor footage from the film "Schindler's List" depicting sex and nudity, with Chairperson Henrietta Mendez arguing that allowing the film's sex scenes to remain could result in "bigger problems in the future with similar scenes in other films." This led to director Steven Spielberg withdrawing the film from distribution in the  Philippines unless it is guaranteed an uncut release. The censorship of "Schindler's List" was heavily criticized, with actress and future MTRCB chairperson Armida Siguion Reyna castigating the agency for allowing the release of two films about a real-life murder ("The Elsa Castillo Story ... Ang Katotohanan" and "The Elsa Santos Castillo Story: The Chop Chop Lady") while censoring a "powerful movie, which is inspiring, uplifting and humane." It has also led to renewed calls for MTRCB's disestablishment by Senators Raul Roco and Orlando Mercado, with Roco stating that "Such narrow-mindedness precisely shows the dangers of censorship." Roco , Mercado, and four other senators soon sponsored a Senate resolution seeking an inquiry into the agency's regulatory functions, stating that its actions "not only insult the intelligence of the local movie-going public but in effect send a wrong message to the world on Filipino tastes, sensibilities and appreciation for the cinematic arts..." On March 4, 1994, Executive Secretary Teofisto Guingona reversed the agency's decision upon his recommendations' approval by President Fidel V. Ramos, which are to restore the film's censored scenes and lower the film's rating from R-18 to R-15 (despite the latter rating's  nonexistence and retitling as R-16). "Schindler's List" was finally released in its entirety on March 9, 1994. Application of television ratings. This list chronologically shows when the networks first used the system (this pertains only to the G and PG ratings, the SPG rating has been adopted simultaneously by almost all of the networks). The board gave a deadline of until October 2011 for the other national, local, cable, and satellite television networks to switch onto the new graphic, although some of the programs adopted the system at a later date, or did not adopt at all. Cable channels  (e.g., CNN Philippines and ETC) carried by free TV affiliates are required to follow the new rating system. Use of television ratings in other channels. Myx, a cable television channel of ABS-CBN, originally adopted the blue PG graphic on October 6 for the majority of their programs, but reverted to the static Parental Guidance DOG only two weeks after, only in showing music videos with graphic content. This was due to the fact that it may be hard to place the PG DOG while a music video is played along with the lyrics being shown at the same time . On February 1, 2018, the music channel started to use a PG DOG which is a text version only when playing music videos. Sometime in April 2018, the DOG was changed into a variation of the blue 'PG' which is in color black. On July 30, 2018, upon the channel's inclusion on ABS-CBN TV Plus, it reverted the standard blue 'PG' rating. Jeepney TV, ABS-CBN News Channel and TeleRadyo also added the blue 'PG', green 'G' and red 'SPG' graphic at the same time as its mother network, but it is only applied to its public affairs  programs which also air on ABS-CBN. Selected programs from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao contain the blue 'PG' graphic are aired from ABS-CBN Regional such as "Agri Tayo Dito", "Kapamilya, Mas Winner Ka!", "Mag TV Na" (three of them were cancelled at the end of June 2018 as a part of cost-cutting measures to digitize all ABS-CBN Regional stations) and various morning shows and public affairs programs (since the end of 2017, one of which is "Ano Ngani?" of TV-2 Tacloban, "Arangkada" of TV-2 Cagayan de Oro (now TV-4 Cagayan de Oro), "Bida Kapampangan" of TV-46 Pampanga  and "Salandigan" of TV-4 Bacolod plus Saturday morning editions of "Panay Sikat" (TV-10 Iloilo), "Maayong Buntag Kapamilya" (TV-3 Cebu) and "Maayong Buntag Mindanao" (TV-4 Davao) extend their broadcast on Saturday effective from December 2014) with the exception of the green 'G' and red 'SPG' graphics. Among local cable networks, ABS-CBN cable channels Balls and Lifestyle (Network) (relaunched since 2018 as Metro Channel), as well as Solar Entertainment's Solar Sports and Jack TV continue to adopt the earlier static '(Strong) Parental Guidance' graphic on their programs (although channels like Cinema One, Pinoy Box Office, Home Box Office, Tagalized Movie  Channel, Viva Cinema (reverted from Viva TV), Zee Sine, Fox Filipino, AXN, Animax Asia, E!, TAP TV, TAP Edge, GEM, TAP Movies, History Asia, Lifetime Asia, Crime & Investigation Network Asia, and FYI Asia (formerly The Biography Channel), have a full screen advisory regularly aired before the show/movie without the said graphic) together with Sari-Sari Channel, the newest cable channel owned by TV5 Network Inc. and Viva Communications Inc. starting January 15, 2016. GNN (reverted from One Media Network as Golden Nation Network) and Global Pinoy Cinema also used the blue PG rating in October 2011. Fox (Asia), Fox  Life (formerly Star World), Fox Crime, National Geographic, Fox Movies (formerly FOX Movies Premium HD and Star Movies), Star Chinese Channel, Star Chinese Movies, Aniplus, K-Plus, and One Screen use their own rating systems, and Disney Channel and Cartoon Network have 'PG' rating systems for selected programs with mature themes, violence, adult content, and thriller. Since January 1, 2013 and March 22, 2015, respectively, Jack TV and CT (formerly Jack City) use the abbreviated PG and SPG on the bottom right corner of the screen indicating the rating of the show replacing the static '(Strong) Parental Guidance' graphic. As  Jack TV does not subscribe to MTRCB's new system, the SPG rating does not have sub-ratings. In May 2018, Yey!, Cine Mo! and Knowledge Channel, which are all exclusive channels for ABS-CBN TV Plus, began subscribing to the MTRCB rating system. The channels are using the MTRCB advisory before the show starts, adopting the green 'G', blue 'PG' and red 'SPG' graphic, replacing the static "(Strong) Parental Guidance" DOG. But then on July 2, 2020, Cine Mo! (as a cable channel) reused the aforementioned graphic displayed by default, upon the termination of the said service due to  expired franchise. Cebu Catholic Television Network (CCTN) didn't show a 'PG' advisory. But, they adopted only the blue 'PG' graphic. In some talk shows, they don't show the blue 'PG' graphic. For newscasts, the MTRCB DOGs were not present in all newscasts except for the following: The Board. The chairman, the vice-chairman and the other 30 Board members compose the Board. Each one holds office for a term of one year but may be reappointed after the expiration of their term. Atty. Jeremiah P. Jaro is the current board chairman appointed since November 2021. Classification ratings. Movies . While the MTRCB primarily rates most films released in commercial cinemas, independent and art-house films released in the Philippines are not rated by the MTRCB themselves and instead through the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Film Cultural Exchange Program (FCEP), the films are rated through the FDCP rating system pursuant to the agreed-upon guidelines by the FDCP and the MTRCB. General Audience ("G").  G  Viewers of all ages are admitted. A "G" classification advises parents or supervising adults that the film is suitable for all audiences. A film classified as "G" shall, in the judgment  of the Board, meet the following criteria: Parental Guidance ("PG").  PG  Viewers below 13 years old should be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult. A "PG" classification advises parents or supervising adults that the film may contain any of the elements whose treatment is suitable for children below 13 years of age. A film classified as "PG" shall, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria: Restricted 13 ("R-13").  R-13  Only viewers who are 13 years old and above can be admitted. An "R-13" classification advises parents, supervising adults, or the would-be viewers themselves, that the  film may contain any of the elements that may not be suitable for children below 13 years of age. A film classified as "R-13" must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria: Restricted–16 ("R-16").  R-16  Only viewers who are 16 years old and above can be admitted. An "R-16" classification advises parents and supervising adults that the film may contain any of the elements that may not be suitable for children below 16 years of age. A film classified as "R-16" must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria: Restricted-18 ("R-18").  R-18  Only viewers  who are 18 years old and above can be admitted. An "R-18" classification advises viewers, parents, and supervising adults that the film may contain any of the elements that may not be suitable for children below 18 years of age. SM Cinema does not show films in their cinemas classified by this rating. An "R-18" rating does not mean that the film is "obscene", "offensive", or "pornographic," as these terms are defined by law. A film classified as "R-18" must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria: Not for Public Exhibition ("X").  X  "X-rated" films have  been deemed by the board to be unsuitable for public exhibition. A film shall be disapproved for public viewing if, in the judgment of the Board: Use of movie ratings in television. Celestial Movies Pinoy uses an advisory for these movie ratings before showing of the film in lieu of television ratings. Television. The MTRCB has implemented a television content rating system since November 1, 1995. Historically, there were only two television ratings used (see the table below). These ratings consisted of a plain text digital on-screen graphic (or pictogram) appearing on the corner of the screen during a  program's run time. Summary. On October 6, 2011, in order to encourage parents to supervise and be responsible with their children in watching television, the rating system was reformatted, with one additional rating added. The ratings notice are always played before the start or midway of the show. The rating voice-overs are usually in Filipino, but predominantly English-language stations have the ratings notice spoken in English (within abroad, GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, GMA News TV International, Kapatid Channel, AksyonTV International, The Filipino Channel, Cinema One and ANC; only spoken in English). Ratings notices were previously  broadcast in a 4:3 aspect ratio, but has since been broadcast in a 16:9 widescreen format. The green 'G', blue 'PG' and red 'SPG' graphic/DOG below are usually seen on the lower right or upper left corner of the screen during the entire show. All programs shown by the television channels are reviewed and classified by the said board. The board may suspend, reject or cancel programs, but cannot revoke broadcast licenses. General Patronage ("G").  G  Suitable for all ages. Material for television, which in the judgment of the Board does not contain anything unsuitable for children. It  appears in most home shopping blocks, children's programming, documentaries, concert specials, talent reality shows and educational programming, as well as some religious programming. A pictogram advisory accompanied by full-screen written verbal advisory to the effect that the program is classified as "General Patronage" shall be broadcast for at least 10 seconds immediately before the opening credits of the particular television material classified as such. Parental Guidance / "Patnubay at Gabay" ("PG").  PG  Parental guidance suggested. Material for television, which, in the judgment of the Board, may contain some adult material that may be permissible for children to watch but  only under the guidance and supervision of a parent or adult. The television program classified as "PG" must, in the judgment of the Board, meet the following criteria: A pictogram advisory accompanied by full-screen written and verbal advisory to the effect that the program is classified as "Parental Guidance" shall be broadcast for at least 10 seconds immediately before the opening credits of the particular television material classified as such. GMA Network's "Wowowin" airs two PG DOGs, the second one being the cue for regional stations to join in the Manila feed. Strong Parental Guidance / "Striktong Patnubay at  Gabay" ("SPG").  SPG  Stronger and more vigilant parental guidance is suggested. Programs classified as "SPG" may contain more serious topics and themes, which may not be advisable for children to watch except under the very vigilant guidance and presence of a parent or an adult. Television programs classified as "SPG" must still fall within the parameters of the existing Parental Guidance classification rating. However, to merit the issuance of an "SPG" rating, the gravity of the material must, in the judgment of the Board, be leaning towards the maximum allowable for Parental Guidance rating. In determining the proper classification rating , the Board shall consider the purpose, genre, and time slot of the program as well as the treatment and depiction of attendant factors such as, but not limited to: Theme ("Tema"), Language ("Lenggwahe"), Violence ("Karahasan"), Sex ("Sekswal"), Horror and Drugs ("Droga"). In the exercise of its judgment, the Board shall take due consideration of balancing the interest of the State to protect the welfare of the youth with the interest of the broadcast networks to freedom of expression. A pictogram advisory accompanied by a full-screen written advisory with voice over to the effect that the program is classified as  Strong Parental Guidance shall be broadcast for at least 20 seconds, immediately before the opening credits and midway in the full airing of the particular television material classified as such. The full-screen advisory shall specifically declare the content descriptors pertinent to the program being shown, such as but not limited to: Theme ("Tema"), Language ("Lenggwahe"), Violence ("Karahasan"), Sex ("Sekswal"), Horror and Drugs ("Droga"). The SPG rating was implemented on February 9, 2012. Disapproved for Airing on Television ("X"). Any television program that does not conform to the "G", "PG", and "SPG" classification shall be unfit for television broadcast if , in the judgment of the Board applying contemporary Filipino cultural values as standard, it is 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, such as but not limited to: Exemptions of classification ratings in television. National and local newscasts are exempted from the ratings system (except in the case of selected news stories, such as in ABS-CBN's TV Patrol, which uses an SPG graphic for  stories with sensitive or graphic content). Some regional news programs and some CNN Philippines newscasts air a PG advisory before the show, which may violate the rules. These circumstances, however, do not affect the program itself. TV5's "Aksyon sa Tanghali", on the other hand, was given a Strong Parental Guidance rating in April 2018 due to its public service segments profane nature. The rating also includes the news segments of the said edition. IBC 13 does not use either the green 'G', blue 'PG', or red 'SPG' graphics on selected programs and documentaries produced by the government-controlled Presidential  Communications Group (Philippines) (PCOO), considering that they are information-based materials. DepEd TV and Solar Learning (DepEd ALS, a sister channel and digital subchannel of ETC) do not even use the three aforementioned rating graphics considering that they are educational content. MTRCB cannot censor, rate, and use its power in films and shows presented in the University of the Philippines Film Center and its various grounds and venues. Home videos. The Optical Media Board formerly governed censorship for home video releases; this has since been managed by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. Before 2015, unlike the  theatrical ratings, only three are applied to video releases and printed on labels: General Audience (G) for films previously rated G in cinemas, Parental Guidance (PG) for most PG and some R-13 or R-16 titles (with cuts for the R-ratings), and Restricted For Adults (R) for some R-13, many R-16, and most R-18 titles [without cuts for R-16 and R-18, including films released unrated or with adults-only rating equivalents (e.g. R, 18+, M18, NC-17, Category III, R21) outside the Philippines]. Since 2015, the theatrical ratings were applied as home video ratings, replacing the previous system. In addition  to issuing parental ratings for home video content, routine inspections are also conducted at public transport terminals where passenger buses equipped with onboard entertainment systems can be found, to ensure that the films in question are approved by both agencies for public exhibition and are free of inappropriate content. Sanctions on content. Aside from administering parental ratings for movies and shows, the MTRCB also reserves the right to sanction a certain program (or suspend a cable channel) depending on the gravity of the violation as a means of disciplinary action. The following cases involve domestic and international content suspensions, probations , and even self-regulations due to the following issues with the content or cast. Radio. The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP; English: "Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines"), an association unrelated to the government, governs censorship on radio, although it can only reprimand its own members using the required disciplinary action. Some radio stations have their own PG and SPG advisory before the start of the program, should it contain mature themes. Internet. Although the board itself does not govern nor does it censor TV shows and movies online, video streaming services such as VIU, Disney+, Discovery+, iflix , Netflix, and HBO Go make use of their own content rating systems to ensure whether content is or isn't family-friendly. On September 3, 2020, it was reported that MTRCB wanted to seek the "regulation" of video content that is provided by streaming platforms such as Netflix. According to Atty. Jonathan Presquito, the MTRCB legal affairs division chief, there is a necessity proceed with the regulation, especially because several video content are unrated. However, the move was strongly criticized by several groups and people, noting that the MTRCB has become a tool of censorship. Senator Franklin Drilon said that  the move was "very impractical". Controversies. Despite touting itself as promoting Filipino values and "intelligent viewing", the board has drawn criticism from filmmakers and special interest groups for its vested interest in the film and television industries, "de facto" censorship, stifling of creative freedoms on the grounds of family-friendliness, and allegations of inaccuracy in film and television ratings. Critics contend that the board has not rated certain media, particularly international superhero, action and fantasy films, such as Michael Bay's "Transformers" and the "Harry Potter" series (based on the novels by J.K. Rowling), along with locally produced romantic comedies , harshly for violent or sexual themes, noting the arbitrary and biased classification based on board members' opinions on certain films for mature audiences yet overlooking certain scenes or themes that would be given a higher rating elsewhere.