The Senate bill seeking to strengthen and expand the mandate of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) by including online streaming platforms in its regulatory powers was approved on third and final reading on Monday, June 2.

Sen. Robinhood C. Padilla, sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2805 or the MTRCB Act, said that the Board should be authorized to regulate video content on streaming platforms to maintain the standards of decency and morality expected by Filipinos. He also emphasized that the measure will extend the MTRCB’s mandate to cover online media and streaming sites.

Padilla stressed the need to regulate online streaming platforms, noting that while some productions from Asian countries may align with Filipino culture, western-influenced content often requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to protecting young audiences.

Under Section 3 (e) of the bill, “On-Demand Streaming Services” refer to internet-based services that provide online curated content platforms from which users can stream or download videos for offline viewing.

For paid on-demand streaming services, the Board shall require the streaming service to submit a list and classification of all movies, series, and programs offered and order a reclassification after screening, only as necessary.

The passage of the bill will equip the MTRCB to regulate streaming contents to address issues of obscenity, immorality, and senseless violence in the digital platforms.

The bill also stated that the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Board shall have the rank, salary, rights, privileges, and benefits equivalent to a Department undersecretary and Department assistant secretary, respectively.

The bill aims to update the charter of the MTRCB which was established on October 1985, and to address the growing use of online streaming platforms. It also aims, to ensure the MTRCB’s authority will be able to meet the demands of the digital age