Sen. Robin Padilla has filed a bill which seeks to update the 40-year-old Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
Padilla’s bill is said to include online and on-demand streaming services “and any other technology of similar nature imported or produced in the Philippines” whether they be for local viewing or for export.
Padilla’s bill also seeks to update the definition of a “movie” to include streaming through online or on-demand streaming services “and any technology of similar nature whether currently existing or to be developed in the future.”
The senator, a former actor, also wants to boost the MTRCBagainst objectionable movies, publicity materials and other audio-visual media.
In Senate Bill 1940, Padilla noted the MTRCB currently cannot “address the changing demands of our time” due to the limited jurisdiction, organizational structure and operational competence provided by a law that is almost 40 years old.
Padilla’s bill mandates the MTRCB to go after, among others, materials that express “national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility, violence, or stereotyping or prejudice against the Filipino people, indigenous people or any ethnic group within or outside the country.”