ASUNCION, Don Jerod B.

1:30-2:30 MWF
Activity 1 (Media Laws)

1. Why is knowledge on movie or TV classification essential especially to viewers? (5 points)

Television is a system for transmitting visual images and sound that are reproduced on screens
and it is the most widespread form of communications in the world. Viewers must not just be aware
but also be more knowledgeable in Television Ratings Advisory so that they can choose or watch the
appropriate shows for them.
A basic and clear grasp of knowledge on the matter entails the audience and viewers, for
example, a parent to be vigilant in supervising their children in television programs especially Rated
SPG programs. Learning the proper ways of guiding their children in watching television transcends
into an effective parenting strategy.
We all know how movies are these days and we should take into consideration and appreciate
the review and classification being conducted by the MTRCB based on seven factors—theme, language,
nudity, sex, violence, horror and drugs. This is crucial because movie or TV classification influences a
viewer’s perception on life and social issues that arise within the nation. All these depend on the
person as an individual, not as a group. Therefore, awareness on movie or TV classifications will assist a
viewer to know what’s best for their taste and culture.
.

2. Should MTRCB implement strict rules on online movie viewing? State your suggestion/s for online
viewers MTRCB literacy. (10 points)
MTRCB shouldn't expand their powers to reach streaming platforms.
I can imagine them censoring my favorite Netflix TV series because of sexual/ violent content
because of MTRCB's medieval and backwards outlook.

 We don't need more censorship. The government should not decide for us what is unfit to watch, and
what is moral or not, especially because they are only forcing upon the viewers their Roman Catholic
views of morality. But technically, it’s all depends on the matter of the people behind the classification
committee.
 Clearly, the government wants to control what its people can watch, with the onset of documentaries
exhibiting the crimes and injustice our current admin has been known for. This maybe the first step
towards full, Chinese-like censorship in months to come. The attack on critical media outlets are just
signs. Now this could possibly pose as an obvious symptom.
 All those streaming services have built-in classification system already based on their home country's
standards.
 What the MTRCB may opt into researching is to stay relevant for SVOD services. If that happens, then
viewers will expect VPNs to become more profitable for Philippine-based customers.
 "Eerie", a movie that Senator Win Gatchalian cited as an example on an MTRCB hearing, has a 16+
rating on Netflix. So it is equivalent a R16 rating. Do you want the streaming service to have Phil ID
verification system built-in? Make it that inconvenient and people will start pirating again.
 Parents need to have a keen eye on the content that passes through their children’s devices or their
family television. It is a parent’s primary responsibility to take into consideration and control their
underaged child’s online movie viewing.
 Such steps that parents may consider are monitoring their watch history as well as supervising the
online content that they show during viewing time of their children. Children on the other hand, should
know their limitations on what to watch by being guided by their parent or guardian or immediate
family.
 Online viewers should be critical in reading the movie classifications for films and movies. Some films
may be triggering to some viewers with sensitive views such as movies that have violence, nudity, or
horror. This is the reason why streaming services such as Netflix show a description and genre of their
content.
On the other hand, as long as it's self-regulation and nothing gets cut, I'm fine with it. Fox+ and
iWant already use the MTRCB rating system and I'm not aware of issues regarding them censoring
programs.
But it all comes down to what is stated in an article that I’ve read in Rappler, the board
currently doesn’t have the power to rate them. “MTRCB Chairperson Maria Rachel Arenas, at the
Senate hearing on the MTRCB’s proposed budget for 2020 last September 30, explained that the law
currently limits them to traditional movies and television materials, and that the law is silent regarding
jurisdiction over content on the internet.”
3. Enumerate 5 rules of MTRCB which you personally observed as helpful and important in regulating
the TV or movie industry. (Justify your answers through example or your personal
opinion/observation. (3 points each)

1. “The BOARD shall review and classify motion pictures, television programs and related promotion
materials and commercials for TV and cinema, applying as general standard contemporary Filipino
cultural values.”
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) encourages us, the public,
to support television programs and films that promote positive Filipino core values. This rule basically
supports in preserving, enriching, and promoting Filipino cultural values, customs, and traditions to
strengthen our national identity.
When I was child during the days of Mulawin, Darna, and Santino, my parents would always
supervise us when we watch the television as a family. I believe that MTRCB can be likened to a parent
who is responsible for the value formation of the children.
Some of the values which can be promoted in television programs and films which are uniquely
Filipino includes “utang na loob,””bayanihan,”“malasakit,”“pagmamano," and the strength of our
“faith in God.” These do not have an exact translation in English which will give justice to the meaning
of the words for us. These values, when classified, will influence the viewers in a positive manner.

2. “Any Filipino citizen of legal age and of good community standing may, upon recommendation of a
member of the Board, be appointed as Board Deputy to assist in overseeing the implementation of
laws and rules relating to the public exhibition of motion pictures, television programs, and publicity
materials falling within the jurisdiction of the BOARD.”
 With this rule, the board will be composed of diverse individuals that come from different
cultures, traditions, and generations of personal views. This will be beneficial because the
nomination of Board Deputy is not limited to an authoritative ruling because anyone can take up a
position as long as the person meets the necessary credentials.
Overseeing the laws and rules will be helpful in regulating the TV or movie industry because
it will be composed of responsible people that are willing to take the job. I believe that this will
make up the totality of what the MTRCB envisions as it’s core values.
Being a committee member in GoodGov PH, we have been assigned as the core team for
the Crisis Education Team wherein we curate content that we will post in our social media
platforms. This includes videos and content from many people. I believe that this is relevant
because it’s depicts the overall efforts of what could possibly be an MTRCB committee’s work
environment is.

3. “To screen, review and examine all motion pictures as herein defined, television programs, including
publicity materials such as advertisements, trailers and stills, whether such motion pictures and
publicity materials be for theatrical or non-theatrical distribution, for television broadcast or for
general viewing, imported or produced in the Philippines, and in the latter case, whether they be for
local viewing or for export”
We should be careful on what we want to disseminate in the media because we know for a
fact that the TV and movie platforms are very powerful tools to change the value of society. That’s
why we also take into consideration or take serious note of all the complaints and concerns of the
Filipino society.
I really think that mental health is a prevailing and an increasing concern in our country. And
it’s now cascading all the way to our schools, all the way to basic education. Even teenagers are
experiencing mental health conditions right now and we don’t want to aggravate the situation by
allowing films that can inadvertently create issues on mental health to be easily accessible to the
youth without the proper warning to parents or guardians. Making this a conversation for the
MTRCB Board is a good topic.

4. “The BOARD is fully aware of the State’s concern in molding and reinforcing the moral character of
the people as well as protecting the artist’s freedom of expression.”
A film student once told me that provocative and controversial art and in-your-face
entertainment put our commitment to free speech to the test. Why should we oppose censorship
when scenes of murder and mayhem dominate the TV screen, when works of art can be seen as a
direct insult to peoples' religious beliefs, and when much sexually explicit material can be seen as
degrading to women? Why not let the majority's morality and taste dictate what others can look at
or listen to?
I think the answer is simple, and timeless: a free society is based on the principle that each
and every individual has the right to decide what art or entertainment he or she wants -- or does
not want -- to receive or create. In an artist’s view of freedom of expression, once you allow the
government to censor someone else, you cede to it the power to censor you, or something you
like. Censorship is like poison gas: a powerful weapon that can harm you when the wind shifts.
MTRCB make the arts provide the opportunity to explore our inner inspirations and depths,
and not surprisingly, psychologists seem to have an affinity for artistic expression. Freedom of
 expression for ourselves requires freedom of expression for others. It is at the very heart of our
democracy.
5. “Import of Films – Upon advice of an applicant, the BOARD shall issue the permit required to
release imported motion pictures, television programs, or related publicity materials from the
Bureau of Customs.”
Throughout the 1980s, the Philippines ranked among the top ten film-producing countries
in the world. During these times now at the present, MTRCB has a huge role in this.
Importation of certain commodities into the Philippines is regulated, restricted or
prohibited for reasons of public health and safety, national security, international commitments,
and development/rationalization of local industry. This includes the release of imported motion
pictures and a number of tv series that viewers like me enjoy.
According to Garcia (2001), the motion picture industry pays one of the highest amusement
taxes in the “entertainment category” while being the cheapest form of entertainment. It
generates more than 400 million pesos in taxes for the government. I have also read that about
450,000 people directly benefit from the industry which includes people from the film production
and distribution groups (that is actors, actresses, directors, etc.), employees and workers in the
theaters, and other related cinema businesses.
Because of this, when the board issues a permit to release imported films, this will not only
generate income into our country, but it will also expose the Filipino audience into watching many
works of art from other countries. Thus, globalization takes a steady flow in regulating the TV or
movie industry.