The Senate has passed a measure granting the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) the authority to regulate video content on streaming platforms, stirring debate over its impact on free expression.
Senate Bill No. 2805, known as the MTRCB Act, cleared its third and final reading on June 2, marking a significant expansion of the agency’s regulatory scope beyond traditional media. The bill mandates that streaming services register with the MTRCB, submit a list of all their programs for classification, and reclassify content if deemed necessary after screening.
Senator Robin Padilla, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the need to update the MTRCB’s 1985 charter to match the digital age. “The MTRCB’s charter was enacted in 1985, long before the streaming era. This bill updates its mandate to reflect the realities of digital media,” he said.
Padilla stressed that while Asian content often aligns with Filipino values, Western material can introduce themes that call for stricter oversight—particularly to shield younger audiences from content deemed inappropriate.
The proposed law also elevates the compensation of the MTRCB’s top officials to the level of a Department undersecretary and assistant secretary.
However, not all lawmakers were on board. Senator Risa Hontiveros opposed the bill, warning that it gives the agency “overly broad powers to censor even speech protected by the 1987 Constitution.” She pointed out that current laws already address harmful content involving minors, including the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act and legislation targeting child exploitation.
“The regulation of digital services and online content should be carefully done with legislation crafted specifically for this purpose, at hindi lamang add-on sa MTRCB,” she said. “Ang boses at sining ng mga Pilipino—offline man o online—ay kapangyarihang pag-aari ng taumbayan, at protektado ng Saligang Batas. Ang anumang regulasyon nito ay dapat hindi labis.”
The bill now moves closer to becoming law, pending action from the House of Representatives and the President.
