The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) through its Memorandum dated January 10, 2023 reminded all television networks to strictly comply with Republic Act No. 10905 (RA 10905) otherwise known as the Closed Caption Law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
Closed captions, also known as subtitles, are designed to help the deaf and hard of hearing understand and enjoy television shows and movies.
RA 10905 requires all franchise holders and/or operators of television stations and producers of television programs are required to air programs with closed captions option. Pursuant to Section 2, Rule V of the IRR, full compliance with the closed captioning service of all non-exempt programs is now required. All previous exemptions except for those excluded/granted pursuant to Section 2, Rule II of the IRR have been revoked.
The law is consistent with the Philippines’ commitment to provide equal opportunities to the deaf and hard-of-hearing to participate in nation-building. It is also consistent with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008, which was ratified by the Philippines and provides that there should be full accessibility and recognition of the linguistic and cultural identity of persons with disabilities.