Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chair Lala Sotto Antonio emphasized that the agency is a partner, not an adversary, countering claims that paint it as the "villain."

"The image of MTRCB is no longer that of a villain. That's how they see us, but we're allies. We're just doing our job," said Lala during the courtesy call of the officers and members of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) at the MTRCB office in Quezon City on Feb. 4.

Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chair Lala Sotto Antonio (Facebook)

"We don't hype it in the media, but sometimes we are concerned about certain things. For better communication, we are here to guide them," she said.

Created on Oct. 5, 1985, the MTRCB is the government agency responsible for rating television and film in the Philippines.

Lala, daughter of Sen. Tito Sotto and actress Helen Gamboa, also shared MTRCB's plans for 2026.

"In 2026, we will be involving our stakeholders more. We want consumers and distributors to better understand the MTRCB. 

"We need to make them understand that the MTRCB is not here to police but to help guide the Filipino family, especially with the ever-evolving audio-visual landscape. It is important to take a whole nation approach. Hindi kailangan ang isang sector lang, like parents lang or LGU lang. Magsisisihan lang at the end of the day pag ganun. (It's not just one sector, like just parents or just the local government unit. You will only regret it at the end of the day if you do that)," she said.

The MTRCB, she also said, will continue to push for the campaign dubbed "Responsableng Panonood" (Responsible Viewership), which aims to equip parents and supervising adults with the necessary tools and knowledge to help youth navigate the media they consume.

"With the rise of online streaming, OTTs, and social media services, I'm sorry to say it can be dangerous for children. So that's what Responsableng Panonood (Responsible Viewership) is all about. It's about equipping and empowering parents to teach them about safeguards and security measures, including parental control features they can use to protect their children," Lala said.

MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto Antonio (center), MTRCB Board Member Nestor Cuartero (6th from left) pose with officers and members of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors during a courtesy call in Quezon City. (Robert Requintina)

Lala said she is thankful that the television industry is behaving well these days in line with the responsible viewership campaign.

"All programs are behaving well lately. I am so thankful. Alam na nila ang gagawin nila eh. Wala namang perfect na program, especially live shows. They immediately apologize on air. That's a very big factor for the MTRCB. 

"Hindi naman kasi control ng TV hosts, and as TV hosts, that's the best you can do. I admire them for that. Madalas hindi naman yung host ang may kasalanan, or may ginawa, or may sinabi. Minsan yung guests/contestants or ini-interview. (It's not the control of TV hosts, and as TV hosts, that's the best you can do. I admire them for that. It's usually not the host who is at fault, or who did or said anything. Sometimes it's the guests/contestants or the ones being interviewed)," she said.

However, Lala believes the Philippine movie industry is in a poor position due to several factors.

"Sad to say that it is a fact. I didn't want it to come from me, but I think it's important for us to acknowledge the problem.

"We cannot address the problem if we do not admit it to ourselves. No. 1: There is a problem. It's not just in the Philippines. Lahat naman ng TV and movie industry kinakaharap ito because of the presence of online streaming, which is a competition. Another is the ticket price here in the Philippines. 

"We receive many complaints, but unfortunately, they fall outside MTRCB's jurisdiction. It's up to the cinema operators and distributors. With the content, the most we can do is encourage our content creators, producers, and directors to create quality films and quality materials.

"And we can give them the lowest possible rating for the available materials submitted to us. But we cannot compromise. It's difficult," Lala said.

Lala also lauded some producers who have taken the initiatives to lower ticket prices. "In fairness to producers, lowering ticket prices is not always feasible. They cannot keep doing that. They can find ways to do so. But it cannot be the producers' decision to lower ticket prices for every movie."

On rumors that she's running for a higher position in 2028, Lala answered, "I am not aware of that."