Only television programs and films that received "G" and "PG" ratings from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) can be aired in public utility vehicles (PUVs), the agency reminded in an advisory on Tuesday, April 4.

Courtesy of MTRCB

Violators will be charged with three months to one year of imprisonment, a fine worth P2,000-P5,000, and cancellation of their franchise.

The board also cited Sections 1-3 of the MTRCB Memorandum Circular No. 09-2011, which stated that "all common carriers and other public places that openly and publicly exhibit motion pictures shall be treated as movie theaters for purposes of regulation by the Board."

"Owing to their public service character and accessibility to the public regardless of
age, common carriers and other public places can only publicly exhibit motion pictures
classified by the Board as for General Patronage (G) or Parental Guidance (PG)," it added.

MTRCB noted that materials with contents beyond the "PG" rating such as those with "sexually derived and vulgar use of swear words or those referring to the genitalia; use of strong expletives; sexually oriented nudity; breast exposure; implied and graphic depiction of sexual activity; exhibition of genitalia and excretory functions; glamorization of violence and criminals; portrayal of characters taking pleasure in inflicting or receiving pain; sexual violence; focalization on injuries and blood; images of drug and substance use; gory and strong scary scenes; those that are contrary to law and/or good customs, and finally; those that are libelous or defamatory," are forbidden to be shown both in PUVs and other public places.

In 2011, the MTRCB partnered with the Land Transport Franchising Regulatory Board and the Maritime Industry Authority to take measures that will protect the public against offensive TV programs and movies.

It also encouraged commuters to report violations about this matter to the MTRCB via email, hotline, and social media platforms.